For those who love the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, there’s nothing quite like preparing it in a cast iron skillet. Not only does this method enhance the flavors, but it also guarantees a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior. In this post, we will explore an enticing recipe that is simple and rewarding—all you need is a cast iron skillet and a few basic ingredients!
Irresistibly Crusty Skillet Bread
This skillet bread is a fantastic introduction to bread making. It requires minimal effort and brings a delicious, homemade experience to your kitchen.
### Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 and 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for greasing)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and lightly grease it with olive oil if desired.
- Place the dough into the skillet and cover it with a towel. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Make a few shallow slashes on the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the bread in the hot oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before slicing.
This simple skillet bread is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with butter, or use it for delicious sandwiches. Your family and friends will be impressed with your baking skills!
Lodge Cast Iron Bread Recipe for Rustic Loaves
source = www.artofit.org