How do I get my crust to brown?

[Rocklobster]

I have been baking for years but can't seem to get my crust to get deep brown as I would like. It gets nice and crispy, but stays a glolden color and I would like to get it browner. I usually bake at 400. I have left it in longer but it just gets harder and dries out the longer I leave it. I've used different shortnings, no shortnings, sugar, no sugar, and many other adjustments. Italian and French bread can get brown without many ingredients, so it must be a procedure issue. I dunno

I find that lard makes it brown the most..

 

[letscook]

maybe an egg wash

 

[Selkie]

I spray mine with milk. Milk sugar browns nice and deep at moderate temperatures.

 

[justplainbill]

Try painting with a highly saturated baking soda & water solution 5 to 10 minutes prior placing loaves into oven.

 

[joesfolk]

Oh, I thought you were talking about pie crust! I baste with butter if I want a more brown crust.

 

[GB]

This would make it brown.

 

[CharlieD]

ah, GB, man you're funny. Good one.

 

[taxlady]

I spray mine with milk. Milk sugar browns nice and deep at moderate temperatures.

That should do it.

 

[joesfolk]

And keep it from rusting too!

 

[PrincessFiona60]

This would make it brown.

THAT's how you make blue food!

 

[GB]

Opps that was the fruit selection. Blueberries, lemons, and cherries.

 

[Rocklobster]

Yes, I was wondering about that!

 

[LAJ]

I use an egg white wash. Mix egg white with a bit of water and use pastry brush. Brown with no egg taste.

 

[simonbaker]

Don't let education get in the way of learning.

 

[Lean Pocket]

Egg white for me too! Makes crust very crunchy and I think taste better on most dishes? Maybe it's just me. . Good luck!