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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread Recipe

A freshly baked, round loaf of Italian bread with a golden, cracked crust, resting on a cooling rack with one slice cut away.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You achieve 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)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for coating

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 until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a loaf or two smaller loaves. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan.
  8. Cover the dough loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. 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.
  10. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water for a crispier crust. You can score the top with a sharp knife if desired.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crunchy crust, spray the inside of the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, skip the final water spray before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe-crusty-soft/