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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Close-up of a freshly baked Italian bread loaf cut in half, showing an open, airy crumb structure.
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Make bakery-style Italian bread at home with a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. This recipe is simple enough for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Pour in the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  7. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  9. Before baking, lightly score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water twice during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you do not have instant yeast, use active dry yeast and let it proof in the warm water for 5 minutes before adding the flour.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with pasta sauce or used for hearty sandwiches.

Nutrition

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