Finishes on Bread

You can finish the tops of loaves in many different ways. A dusting of flour will give a rustic look, a wash of milk or milk and egg produces a shinier finish, and a pure egg glaze will turn the top dark shiny brown, as will a sugar and water glaze. Sesame seeds and poppy seeds can be added to a glazed surface. Scoring a cross in the top of the loaf with a sharp knife also looks attractive.