What is bread crust made out of?

Bread crust is primarily made of the same ingredients as the rest of the bread:

* Flour: This provides the structure and bulk of the bread.

* Water: This helps to activate the gluten in the flour, creating the elastic structure of the dough.

* Yeast: This ferments the sugars in the flour, producing carbon dioxide gas which creates the air pockets in the bread.

* Salt: This enhances the flavor and controls the yeast activity.

* Other ingredients: Some bread recipes may include additional ingredients like sugar, oil, milk, or eggs.

What makes the crust different?

The crust forms during the baking process due to several factors:

* Heat: The intense heat of the oven causes the water in the dough to evaporate.

* Maillard reaction: This chemical reaction between sugars and amino acids in the flour creates the browning and crispy texture of the crust.

* Starch gelatinization: The starch granules in the flour absorb water and swell, forming a gel. This gel sets as it cools, contributing to the crust's firmness.

The combination of these factors leads to the formation of a hard, crispy, and flavorful crust on the outside of the bread.