Crusty Italian Bread
ad with a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. It’s the kind of bread that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. If you’ve been searching for a bread that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place.
This bread is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate your everyday meals. The combination of a crunchy exterior and tender, chewy inside makes this bread a true delight. There’s something so comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and this recipe delivers just that. Even if you’re new to bread baking, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or lame for scoring the dough
- Cooling rack
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cornmeal for dusting
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a round loaf or an oval, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly dusted with cornmeal.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat up as well.
- Score and Bake: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or lame to make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread expand while baking. Transfer the dough (along with the parchment paper) onto the preheated baking sheet or stone. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack before slicing.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Rise Time:
- 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 3 hours 20 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Crusty Italian Bread is an inviting, homemade treat that pairs well with any meal. Its golden crust and soft interior make it a favorite for dipping, spreading, or simply enjoying on its own. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bring the warmth of freshly baked bread into their home.
