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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews

This crusty Italian bread recipe delivers a classic, bakery-quality loaf with a wonderfully crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients including all-purpose flour, yeast, and a touch of sugar, this bread is perfect for pairing with olive oil, soups, or as a base for garlic toast. The secret to its delightful crust lies in baking with steam, creating an authentic artisanal texture right in your home oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

Other

  • Cornmeal for dusting the baking sheet

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm water (about 110°F). Sprinkle in the sugar, then add the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until a rough dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks uneven at this stage.
  3. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Knead with your hands for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If sticky, sprinkle on a little more flour as needed.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf that suits your preference. Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking and place the shaped loaf on it.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, allowing it to become light and fluffy.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Steam: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to generate steam during baking, which helps produce the desired crusty exterior.
  8. Slash and Bake: Just before baking, make several slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking and create a beautiful artisanal appearance. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bread to cool fully ensures the texture and flavor develop to perfection before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty loaf, increase the steam by adding more water to the shallow pan during baking.
  • Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing for optimal texture and to avoid a gummy crumb.
  • Use fresh active dry yeast and maintain proper water temperature (~110°F) to ensure good dough rise.
  • Do not rush the rising times; patience yields a lighter and more flavorful bread.
  • Optional variations: add fresh herbs, garlic, cheese, or seed toppings to customize your bread.

Keywords: Crusty Italian bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, baking bread, yeast bread, easy bread recipe

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