Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
This Crusty Italian Bread recipe delivers a classic, golden-brown loaf with a delightfully chewy texture and a crisp crust. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside Italian dishes, this simple bread uses just four basic ingredients to create an authentic homemade loaf with an irresistible crustiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 480g)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Bake Until Crusty: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside to heat up. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Score the top with a sharp knife to allow expansion. Transfer the dough onto the hot baking stone, add steam by placing a pan of water in the oven or misting water inside, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate the yeast properly, but make sure it is not too hot to kill the yeast.
- For a crunchier crust, create steam in the oven during the first 10 minutes of baking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to finish the cooking process and avoid sogginess.
- Store leftover bread in a paper bag to maintain the crust crispiness.
Keywords: Crusty Italian Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Loaf, Artisan Bread, Easy Bread Recipe
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/crusty-italian-bread-recipe/
