How do ya'll make your bread so crusty and your crumb so chewy? Everything I make comes out like store bought italian bread, which isnt bad but I want that aRTisAnal bread. Edit: Thanks for all the information, I now have a friday night goal.
How do ya'll make your bread so crusty and your crumb so chewy? Everything I make comes out like store bought italian bread, which isnt bad but I want that aRTisAnal bread. Edit: Thanks for all the information, I now have a friday night goal.
In addition to Llituro's very helpful suggestions, I'd also recommend (if you can afford one) an oven thermometer. Ovens can significantly vary in actual temperature. I found mine tends to be about 20 degrees cooler than whatever it says. As a result, my first loaves came out looking like yours.
I set my oven to 495 (for effectively 475) and bake in the Dutch oven for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes (or sometimes 20-30).
And the shape looks very nice. I think it just needed more time and heat.
Thank you for the tip! Until I receive additional funds I will use the "does my hand burn instantly" method.
They are pretty cheap at least, looks like you can get an oven thermometer for less than $10. That said, I don't have one either, for some reason.