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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields a golden, crunchy crust with a soft and chewy interior. Using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water, it delivers an authentic homemade Italian bread perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying fresh. The bread is made by allowing the dough to rise twice, then baking it in a hot oven with steam to achieve that classic crusty exterior.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

For Baking

  • Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Form the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten needed for good texture.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, allowing the dough to ferment and expand.
  5. Shape the loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  6. Second rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up, which helps develop a lighter crumb.
  7. Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to generate steam, which is crucial for forming a crispy crust.
  8. Score the loaf: Just before baking, make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow controlled expansion and create an attractive pattern.
  9. Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked inside.
  10. Cool the bread: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to complete the baking process and set the crumb.

Notes

  • Using warm water at about 110°F helps activate the yeast effectively.
  • Double rising time can vary depending on room temperature.
  • Adding steam in the oven is essential for a crunchy crust.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
  • Cornmeal dusting prevents the dough from sticking and adds subtle texture to the crust bottom.

Keywords: Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, bread baking, yeast bread

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