I love crusty bread. It’s so good because it hits all the right notes in both texture and flavour. That golden, crackly crust gives you a crunch while the inside stays soft, airy, and full of flavour. It’s this contrast that makes it so satisfying.

And then there’s the flavour! As the bread bakes, the crust develops that deep, almost caramelised taste, adding another layer of flavour to the already delicious, doughy centre. Whether you’re tearing into it with a bowl of soup, slathering it with butter, or just enjoying it plain, for me, crusty bread is comfort food at its best.

Keeping crusty bread fresh

Crusty bread can start to go stale within a day or two if left at room temperature. While the crunchy crust helps lock in moisture and keep the interior soft for a short period, crusty bread, like most things, is best eaten fresh. By day two or three, the texture will begin to feel harder and less fresh.

To keep crusty bread fresh longer, you can store it in a paper bag or wrap it in a clean cloth, which helps it breathe without getting soggy. For longer storage, freezing it soon after baking is the best way to preserve its texture.

Refreshing crusty bread

To refresh crusty bread and bring back its crisp exterior and soft interior, try this simple method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Lightly dampen the bread: wet the bread lightly with water to add moisture but don’t soak it.
3. Bake for about 5 minutes to get that crust nice and crispy.

This should bring your crusty bread back to life, ready to enjoy!

Janice xx

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