| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 324 | 6g | 1g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 8g | 0.6g |
About Skillet Bread
Ah, the rustic charm of Skillet Bread! This simple yet versatile bread is a staple in many households, with its crisp crust and soft, fluffy interior transporting us back to the comfort of our grandma’s kitchen with every bite. This bread is a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients – a blend of all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, water, extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkling of cornmeal to create a beautiful texture.
Skillet Bread borrows characteristics from its fellow breads but stands on its own. For instance, the crusty exterior might remind you of a classic no-knead white bread, while the soft interior is a nod to a soothing soft and squishy white bread. However, Skillet Bread triumphs with its unique baking process, which involves baking the dough in a hot skillet, giving it a distinctive shape and texture.
The Magic of Skillet Bread
This hearty bread is not just delicious, but versatile too. It pairs beautifully with a range of dishes – be it a hearty stew, a refreshing salad, or as a platform for an array of bruschetta toppings. A loaf of Skillet Bread on your table is the perfect partner to a heartwarming soup on a cold winter night, or an excellent addition to your summer Caprese salad. One particularly delicious pairing is the dessert – use it as a base for a French toast version of pain perdu and you’ll understand why this bread is treasured for its adaptability.
The Art of Skillet Bread Baking
What sets Skillet Bread apart is the unique baking process. A hot skillet, altered temperature, and a sprinkling of cornmeal work together to produce a bread with a crusty exterior that yields to a beautiful soft crumb. Other breads like Dutch oven bread share a similar method, but the traditional skillet imbues the bread with a certain heartfelt charm and flavor that is notably distinctive.
Ultimately, the allure of Skillet Bread lies in its simplicity, versatility, and tradition. It may not be a daring culinary experiment, but sometimes, going back to basics and appreciating simple flavors is the finest gastronomic experience. Palace or cottage, feast or famine, Skillet Bread finds its place at every table, warm and welcoming in its rustic charm. Here’s to many more slices!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 cups water, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornmeal
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Two
Slowly add the room temperature water to the flour mixture. Stir continuously as you add the water to prevent lumps from forming.
Step Three
Continue to stir the mixture until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too wet, add a bit more flour.
Step Four
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Five
After the dough has risen, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, sprinkle the cornmeal evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Step Six
Carefully transfer the dough into the skillet, using a spatula to even it out and ensure it fills the skillet evenly.
Step Seven
Cook the bread over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crusty. Flip the bread and cook the other side for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Step Eight
Once the bread is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade skillet bread!
