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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

A rustic, round loaf of Italian bread with a deeply caramelized, cracked crust resting on a cooling rack.
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You can create bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. This loaf features a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for dipping or sandwiches.

Ingredients

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  • 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)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. 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 building the structure for a chewy interior.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat the top with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. 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.
  6. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a tight loaf or two smaller loaves.
  7. Place the shaped loaf(ves) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. This is your second rise.
  8. 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.
  9. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water or an egg wash for color. You can score the top with a sharp knife if desired.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). For extra crust, pour 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack immediately after placing the bread in the oven, then quickly close the door.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Italian bread.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a baking stone in the oven while preheating.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven while it is turned off, with the light on, to create a warm rising environment.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with olive oil for dipping.

Nutrition

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