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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread Recipe

Cross-section of amazing Italian bread showing a golden, crisp crust and an open, airy crumb structure.
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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 is a beginner-friendly tutorial for making delicious bread for dipping or 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 warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit 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 everything with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You want a soft, chewy texture.
  4. Lightly oil a clean large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat the surface 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 risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a tight loaf shape (a round or oval).
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover it loosely again. Let it rise for a second time for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) about 20 minutes before the second rise finishes. For extra crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam.
  9. Just before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. If you want, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. If you used the steam pan, carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the pan and quickly close the oven door.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the aroma of fresh baked bread!

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a baking stone or heavy baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Slide the loaf onto the hot surface for baking.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough bowl inside your oven (turned off) with the light on to create a warm rising spot.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe-crusty-soft-inside/