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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread

A beautifully baked, round loaf of italian bread with a golden, crackly crust dusted with flour.
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Bake a bakery-style Italian loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using simple pantry ingredients. This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for serving with dinner or making sandwiches.

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)
  • 2 tablespoons 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.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it 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.
  7. Gently punch down the 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 loaf pan. Cover loosely.
  9. Let the dough rise for a second time for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  11. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. If desired, score the top with a sharp knife.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. For extra crust, spray the inside of the oven with water from a spray bottle during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  13. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a baking stone in the oven while preheating.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta sauces.

Nutrition

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