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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

A split image showing the golden, crusty exterior and the open, airy crumb of a freshly baked italian bread.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple, beginner-friendly recipe. You will achieve a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior perfect for dipping or sandwiches.

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 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and the olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a chewy texture.
  5. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. 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. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a tight loaf or two smaller loaves.
  8. Place the shaped loaf(ves) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. This is your second rise.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam for a crisp crust.
  10. Just before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water or an egg wash for extra color. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  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 the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your fresh baked bread aromas!

Notes

  • For an extra crunchy crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the steam step and brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping bread recipes or making simple sandwich bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/easy-homemade-italian-bread-recipe/