The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

How to get a nice brown caramelized loaf?

expatCanuck's picture
expatCanuck

How to get a nice brown caramelized loaf?

Here's a shot of a recent, representative loaf:

http://oldwithoutmoney.com/sourdoughLoafnBuns.jpg
sourdough loaf

A some significant cracking along one end & side, but reasonable form, decent results from scoring, a decent crust, and it tasted yummy good.
(Baked in a loaf pan at 425.)

But none of that brown caramelizing that characterized many a fine loaf.

What can I do to get that nice brown color? 

Thanks

 - Richard
www.oldWithoutMoney.com

Floydm's picture
Floydm

Turning the temperature of your oven up for at least a portion of the time will help. I often start loaves at 475 or so and then drop the temp to 425 after 5 or 10 minutes. That also seems to help oven spring.

You may also want to try moving the oven rack up one notch.

staff of life's picture
staff of life

Helps with browning.  Try 1 T per loaf.

SOL

docpat's picture
docpat

You could always do a wash of whole egg just before baking.