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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 554 reviews

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields golden, crispy loaves with a soft and chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite meals. Featuring a simple combination of bread flour, yeast, salt, and water, this traditional bread is made with straightforward techniques that anyone can master, delivering authentic Italian flavors and textures right from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually pour the warm water into the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, then let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Stone (Optional): Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
  6. Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface, divide into two equal portions, and shape each into a round loaf.
  7. Second Rise: Place the loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or floured surface. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Score the Loaves: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make several shallow slashes across the top of each loaf to allow expansion.
  9. Bake with Steam: Transfer the loaves to the preheated baking stone or leave on the baking sheet. Place in the oven and immediately spray water inside the oven using a spray bottle to create steam, which promotes a crisp crust.
  10. Bake until Golden: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using a baking stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
  • Steaming the oven at the beginning of baking is crucial for a crusty exterior.
  • Ensure the water is warm (about 110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • You can store leftover bread in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crustiness.
  • This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy defrosting portions.

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

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