Description
This recipe guides you through making a rustic homemade bread with a unique campfire char and sweet honey glaze, perfect for a hearty family meal. It combines smoky aroma with a sweet hint of honey, offering comforting food that’s easier to prepare than it seems.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- extra olive oil for bowl
- 0.25 cup butter, melted
- 0.25 cup honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp coarse salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 2.25 tsp yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix And Knead Dough: Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 3 cups flour gradually to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a rustic round or oblong loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oiled cast iron skillet. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until noticeably puffy.
- Preheat And Prepare For Char: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with a cast iron pan inside. If using a grill, heat it to medium-high (375-400°F).
- Bake And Char: Carefully place the bread in the hot skillet or on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and the crust is crisp. For campfire char, brush with melted butter, then place directly on grill grates for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly smoky and charred, turning carefully.
- Glaze And Finish: In a small bowl, whisk 0.25 cup melted butter, 0.25 cup honey, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Immediately after baking/charring, brush the warm bread generously with the honey glaze. Sprinkle with 0.5 tsp coarse salt.
- Cool And Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Ensure your yeast is fresh for a good rise; always check expiry dates. For an authentic smoky flavor, consider using hardwood charcoal or wood chips if grilling. If the dough looks too dry during kneading, add 1-2 tbsp more water, a teaspoon at a time.
- Prep Time: 27 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg