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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread

A rustic, freshly baked Italian bread loaf, cut in half to show the airy crumb, resting on a wire cooling rack.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry 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 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the bowl

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix 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.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning 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 doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza stone.
  8. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this time. For extra crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam.
  9. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  11. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven during the first 15 minutes of baking to create steam.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.
  • If you want a faster rise, place the dough in a slightly warmer spot, but avoid direct heat.

Nutrition

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