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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Close-up of the airy, open crumb structure inside a slice of crusty Italian bread.
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Make bakery-style Italian bread at home with a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This recipe is simple enough for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long loaf or round shape. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during this time. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack for steam.
  7. Just before baking, slash the top of the loaf once or twice with a sharp knife. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  9. Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water two times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier texture.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with pasta sauce or butter.

Nutrition

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