Great British Bake Off stalwart Paul Hollywood has finally revealed the one simple ingredient that elevates his legendary bread creations from good to extraordinary. The master baker, known for his exacting standards and iconic handshake, claims this kitchen staple makes all the difference between amateur and professional results.
The Secret Behind the Perfect Crust
According to Hollywood, the magic ingredient isn't some rare, expensive import but something most home cooks already have in their cupboards: extra virgin olive oil. "I always use extra virgin olive oil in my bread," the baking guru confessed. "It gives it a lovely soft crumb and a gorgeous crust."
The oil works by tenderising the gluten structure while adding both flavour and moisture to the finished product. This results in bread that stays fresher for longer while developing that professional-quality texture that's become Hollywood's trademark.
From Tent Disasters to Baking Triumphs
Hollywood's revelation comes as he prepares to judge a new batch of amateur bakers in the latest series of the hit Channel 4 show. The master baker understands the common pitfalls home bakers face, having witnessed countless baking disasters under the famous white tent.
"People are so scared of baking bread," Hollywood noted. "They think it's complicated, but it's really not. Start with something simple like a focaccia or a basic white loaf."
Three Essential Tips for Baking Success
Beyond his olive oil secret, Hollywood shared several key principles for baking perfection:
- Temperature matters: "Always use warm water when activating yeast - about 38°C is perfect."
- Patience pays off: "Don't rush the proving process. Good bread takes time."
- Practice makes perfect: "The more you bake, the more you understand the dough and how it should feel."
Hollywood's passion for bread-making remains undimmed despite years of judging everything from soggy bottoms to collapsed showstoppers. "Bread is alive," he says with characteristic enthusiasm. "You're working with a living organism, and that's what makes it so special."
For aspiring bakers looking to impress the man with the legendary handshake, it seems the path to baking glory might be simpler than they imagined - and it all starts with that bottle of olive oil sitting in their kitchen.
