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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for Beginners

A golden-crusted Italian bread loaf cut in half, revealing an open, airy crumb structure.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 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 1/4 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 stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. 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.
  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 risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  8. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly oiled loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  10. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. You can score the top with a sharp knife if you wish.
  11. Carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. 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 an extra crispy crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water two times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the steam pan and brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.

Nutrition

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