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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

A perfectly baked, round loaf of Italian bread with a golden, crackled crust dusted lightly with flour.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and the olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You are looking for a soft, chewy texture.
  5. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a tight loaf (a round boule or an oval shape).
  8. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover loosely.
  9. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. This is your second rise. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise. For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  10. Lightly brush the top of the loaf with water or an egg wash if desired for color. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife (two or three diagonal cuts).
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If using the steam pan, carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the pan immediately after placing the bread in the oven, then quickly close the door.
  12. Transfer the baked Italian bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this homemade bread warm with olive oil for dipping.

Notes

  • For an extra crunchy exterior, place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven with just the light on to create a warm proofing spot.
  • This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving alongside pasta meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe-crusty-loaf/