Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Introduction

Crusty Italian Bread is a simple yet satisfying staple that fills your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked bread. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crusty exterior, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
• Try adding herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for a flavorful twist.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Storage

Store your crusty Italian bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid plastic as it can soften the crust. To refresh the crust, warm the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the step of activating it in water.

How do I know when the bread has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel airy when gently pressed with a finger. If the indentation remains, it is ready for the next step.

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

A simple and authentic Crusty Italian Bread recipe that yields a golden, crispy crust with a soft, airy interior. This traditional bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying alongside your favorite Italian dishes.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Mix and knead dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape and second rise: Gently punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover it loosely, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
4. Bake until crusty: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow expansion. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. To enhance the crust, you can add steam by placing a pan of hot water in the oven or misting the dough with water before baking.
5. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Warm water is crucial to activate the yeast but should not be too hot to kill it.
• Allowing the dough to rise fully will ensure a light and airy crumb.
• Scoring the dough before baking helps control the expansion of the bread.
• Adding steam to the oven helps create a crispier crust.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to keep the texture intact.

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