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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Michonne Zendaya

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

This easy Crusty Italian Bread recipe creates a beautiful golden crust and soft, airy interior. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can make bakery-quality Italian bread at home every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • baking stone or baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • kitchen towel
  • wire rack
  • oven

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
  6. Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper and cover to rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Score the top with a sharp knife and transfer (with parchment) onto the hot baking stone.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crusty. Bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking. Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano to the dough before kneading for extra flavor. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for best texture.