Homemade recipe for easy Russian Bread. Crispy and crunchy on the outside (like an Artisan bread) and soft and airy on the inside (similar to an Italian loaf), the perfect combination.
Sift flour and salt add to a large bowl, create a well in the center of the flour.
Pour in the warm milk and water and stir to combine. Add oil and give the water and give a quick mix. Sprinkle the yeast over the water then sugar over the yeast, lightly stir and cover with a towel, allow it to sit about 5 minutes for the yeast to activate.
Give the water a quick stir and mix the flour in. Transfer dough onto the countertop and knead about 4 minutes (just until dough is smooth). The dough should be slightly sticky but will not stick to hands.
Shape dough and place back into the bowl. Cover with a towel. Let rise two hours.
Take the dough and shape it into a long loaf (French bread-like). Twist the loaf (this will help it rise round and not a flat loaf).
Dust loaf with flour, cover the dough with a towel, rise for another 30 minutes.
Add 2 cups water to a baking dish and place it on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat oven to 425˚F.
Bake bread for 20-25 minutes, until crust is crispy and golden.
Let the loaf cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
You will also need 2 cups water in small baking dish! This will give the bread a beautiful crust.I just used an 8x8.