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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Close-up of a freshly baked Italian bread loaf cut in half, showing the airy interior crumb and golden crust.
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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 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the bowl

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 and 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 for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Elias says this kneading time is key for a good chew.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once 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 has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
  8. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly oiled 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.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want a very crusty exterior, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  11. Just before baking, use a sharp knife to slash the top of the loaf a few times.
  12. If using the steam pan, carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the lower pan and quickly close the oven door.
  13. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  14. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the aroma!

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you want a softer loaf for sandwiches, skip the steam pan and bake for 25 minutes.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/easy-italian-bread-crusty-homemade-recipe/