Easy Crusty Mini Bread Loaves

4.10 from 11 votes

Easy crusty mini bread loaves, the easiest homemade bread recipes you can make with 5 basic ingredients: bread flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt, and nothing else. A rustic loaf with a golden crust, but white and fluffy on the inside, this bread fills the kitchen with a fantastic aroma that reminds me of childhood. A bakery-style bread inspired by artisan bread and baguettes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Proving Time2 30

Total Time2 55

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: International

Servings: loaves

Calories: 468kcal

Author: Daniela Apostol

Ingredients

250 g strong white bread flour ( 2 cups)
160 ml warm water (⅔ cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dried fast-action yeast

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

Add the yeast to the warm water together with the sugar and a teaspoon of flour, and give it a good a stir.
Set aside until the mixture becomes frothy, in a warm place it can take 10-15 minutes.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, add the salt and yeast mixture, and knead gently to get a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Dust some more flour over the dough if it sticks to your hands too much
Cover the bowl with clingfilm, and leave it to prove for 2 hours or until the dough is double in size.
Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface.
Divide the dough in 3 equal parts, shape them into mini baguettes, and transfer them onto a baking tray, then cover them with a kitchen towel.
Leave to prove again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (430 degrees Fahrenheit).
Add one cup of hot water to the dripping pan in the oven (or another tray you have around) to create steam.
Dust some flour on top of the loaves, then use a sharp knife to score the baguettes.
Place the baking tray onto the middle rack of the oven, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden, and if you turn it over, it sounds hollow when you give it a sharp knock.

Video

Notes

Use bread flour for the best texture, this has a higher protein content which helps create a better structure.
Don't skip the second proof, this helps the loaves become lighter and airier. Skipping this step might lead to a denser bread.
If your kitchen isn't warm enough to prove the bread dough, you can turn the oven on on its lowest temperature for 5-10 minutes, then place the dough in there to prove

Nutrition