Pan de Cristal 100% Hydration
By From Luxembourg With Loaf · Last edited May 2, 2026
Pan de Cristal 100% Hydration
By From Luxembourg With Loaf · Last edited May 2, 2026
I like challenges! One of them is shifting my technical skills in baking. I always wanted to maximize the hydration level of my breads, so this time I chose water and flour 1:1, so 100% hydration. The matching recipe, the Catalonian Pan de Cristal, is incredibly tasty, bakes up well and stays fresh for an incredibly long time.
- Total weight
- 2249g
- Yield
- 10units
- Unit weight
- 225g
- Hydration
- 100%
Ingredients
Stiff Starter
205gMain Dough
2249gProcess
Levain Preparation
Combine flour, water, and starter. Mix thoroughly and allow to ferment at room temperature overnight.
Initial Mixing
10 minutesAdd the flour, initial portion of cold water (700g), and the stiff starter to a mixer. Mix on low speed for approximately 10 minutes until the dough is combined and gluten development begins.
Bassinage (Water Incorporation)
20 minutesIncrease the mixer speed to the highest level. Gradually add the remaining water in small portions every 1–2 minutes, ensuring each addition is fully absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20 minutes.
Final Mixing
2 minutesAdd the salt and olive oil. Continue mixing at maximum speed for an additional 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and fully developed.
Initial Folding and Container Transfer
Transfer the dough to a clean countertop. Perform a series of coil folds to build structure. Place the dough into a greased plastic container and cover with a lid.
Bulk Fermentation and Folding
2 hoursOver the next 2 hours, perform coil folds every 30 minutes. Following the folds, allow the dough to continue fermenting until it has doubled in volume. Alternatively, cold proof in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
Dividing and Shaping
Gently dump the dough onto a floured surface. Using a dough scraper, divide the dough into portions of your desired size. Transfer the portions onto parchment paper.
Baking
Use baking steel/stone; rotate rolls if using

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