How To Put Sesame Seeds On Bread

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Welcome to the world of baking, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air and tantalizes our taste buds. One way to elevate the flavor and presentation of your homemade bread is by adding sesame seeds on top. Sesame seeds not only provide a delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements a wide range of bread recipes. Whether you’re baking a classic loaf of bread or experimenting with artisanal breads, sesame seeds can be the perfect finishing touch.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of putting sesame seeds on bread, step-by-step. From gathering the necessary ingredients and tools to serving and enjoying the final product, we’ve got you covered.

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about the different types of sesame seeds available. There are two main varieties: white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. White sesame seeds have a mild, nutty flavor, while black sesame seeds offer a stronger, earthier taste. Both varieties can be used for topping bread, so choose based on your personal preference.

Now, let’s get started on this journey of adding sesame seeds to your bread and taking your baking skills to the next level. Are you ready? Let’s begin!

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Ingredients and Tools

Before you embark on the process of putting sesame seeds on bread, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Loaf of bread dough: You can either use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. Choose your favorite bread recipe or try something new.
• Sesame seeds: Opt for either white sesame seeds or black sesame seeds, depending on your preference.
• Egg wash: This will help the sesame seeds adhere to the bread. You can make an egg wash by beating an egg with a splash of water.
• Pastry brush: You’ll need a brush to apply the egg wash onto the bread.
• Baking sheet or loaf pan: Use a baking sheet if you prefer a free-form shape for your bread or a loaf pan for a more traditional shape.
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray: This will prevent the bread from sticking to the baking sheet or loaf pan.
• Sharp knife or scissors: You’ll need a tool to score the bread before baking.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients and tools, you’re ready to move on to the next step: preparing the bread.

Step 2: Preparing the Bread

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to prepare the bread dough for the sesame seed topping. Follow these steps:

1. If you are using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the packaging to bring it to room temperature. If you’re making your own bread dough, follow your chosen recipe and allow it to rise until it is ready for baking.
2. Once the dough is ready, punch it down to release any excess air. This will help the bread maintain its shape during baking.
3. Shape the dough into the desired form. You can create a classic loaf shape, small individual rolls, or get creative and experiment with different shapes and sizes.
4. If using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. If using a loaf pan, grease it to prevent the bread from sticking.
5. Transfer the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan.
6. With a sharp knife or scissors, make shallow cuts or score lines on the surface of the dough. This not only adds an aesthetic touch but also helps the bread expand evenly during baking.

Now that the bread is ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: applying the sesame seeds.

Before baking, brush the bread with egg wash or water, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Press gently to make sure they stick. Enjoy!

Step 3: Applying the Sesame Seeds

Adding sesame seeds to your bread not only enhances its taste but also gives it an attractive visual appeal. Here’s how you can apply the sesame seeds:

1. Brush the surface of the bread dough with an egg wash using a pastry brush. The egg wash acts as a glue, helping the sesame seeds to stick to the bread.
2. Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the entire surface of the dough. You can use either white sesame seeds or black sesame seeds, or even a combination of both for a visually striking effect.
3. Press the sesame seeds gently into the dough using the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon. This will ensure that the seeds adhere firmly to the bread.
4. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes. During this time, the seeds will slightly adhere to the dough, enhancing their grip.
5. If desired, you can brush another layer of egg wash over the sesame seeds to give the bread an extra shine.

Once you have applied the sesame seeds, it’s time to move on to the next step: baking the bread.

Step 4: Baking the Bread

With the sesame seeds applied, it’s now time to bake the bread to perfection. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature as per your bread recipe. This will ensure that the bread bakes evenly and achieves a golden crust.
2. Place the bread in the preheated oven on the middle rack. If using a baking sheet, you can place it directly on the oven rack. If using a loaf pan, place the pan in the oven.
3. Bake the bread for the recommended time specified in your recipe. It may take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and type of bread you are baking.
4. Check the bread for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow when fully cooked.
5. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

As tempting as it may be to dig into the warm bread right away, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will prevent the bread from crumbling and ensure that the flavors have fully developed.

Now that your bread is baked to perfection, it’s time for the final step: serving and enjoying!

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations! You have successfully put sesame seeds on your bread, and now it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Follow these steps to serve and enjoy your delicious creation:

1. Once the bread has cooled, slice it into desired thickness using a sharp bread knife. You can go for thin slices for sandwiches or thicker slices for toast.
2. Spread some butter or your favorite spread on the bread for an added burst of flavor.
3. Pair your sesame seed bread with your favorite accompaniments. It could be a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or even some cheese and charcuterie.
4. Sit back, take a bite, and enjoy the combination of the soft, pillowy bread with the nutty crunch of the sesame seeds.
5. Share your delicious creation with family and friends, and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.

Remember that freshly baked bread is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Now that you know how to put sesame seeds on bread, there are endless possibilities for exploring different flavors and variations. You can experiment with different types of bread dough, such as whole wheat or sourdough, and even mix in other toppings like herbs or cheese.

Baking your own bread with sesame seeds brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s not only a delicious addition to your meals but also a wonderful way to connect with the ancient tradition of bread-making. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and embark on your bread-baking adventure!