Description
Enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked Crusty Italian Bread with this simple recipe. Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, this bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or pairing with your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Shape and Proof the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Slash and Bake: Using a sharp knife, make slashes on the top of the loaf. Transfer the loaf onto the hot baking stone or sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- You can customize this bread by adding herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, crusty bread, bread recipe
