charred crust

Burnt outer layer

Charred crust is the blackened, slightly burnt outer layer that forms on bread, pizza, or other baked goods when exposed to high heat.

The charring adds a bitter, smoky flavor that many find desirable: I like my pizza with a charred crust.

The term also describes the carbonized exterior on grilled or roasted meats.

Related

carbon · caramelized · creme brulee · toast · ashen · seared · crunchy · smoke · bark · pizza · wood fired · bread · crackling · fire · oven · edges · bitter · flaky

Opposites
cooking outcome

charred crustgolden crust

Toasted outer layer

unbaked

surface texture

charred crustsoft crust

chewy crust

Family

char, charred, charring, chars, crust, crusts, crusted, crusting, crusty

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G