Crusty Grecian Bread
Crusty Grecian Bread features a chewy crust and soft interior, with subtle hints of olive oil and sesame seed — perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with dips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the mixture.
- Beat until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
- Knead until no longer sticky, about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into loaves.
- Combine the egg white and water, then brush over the top of the loaves.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Make 3-4 diagonal slashes about 1/2 inch deep across the top of each loaf.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crustier bread, place a pan with water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking. If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. Experiment with adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the dough for extra flavor, which complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This crusty Grecian bread is perfect for serving with dips like hummus or tzatziki, and it pairs beautifully with Honeydew Salad for a refreshing meal. Consider slicing it for sandwiches or serving alongside a warm bowl of soup. It also complements dishes like Potato And Spinach Layer very well.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature to maintain its crust. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back its crusty exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Grecian Bread contains roughly 418 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 967mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without yeast?
Yes, you can use a sourdough starter instead of yeast for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the liquid and flour amounts accordingly, as sourdough can be more hydrated than regular yeast bread.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) indicates that the bread is fully baked.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or olives to the bread?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or chopped olives to the dough before baking can enhance the flavor significantly. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure the dough remains manageable.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).