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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread: Bakery Style at Home

Close-up of a rustic, golden-brown loaf of homemade italian bread resting on a white plate.
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You can bake perfect, bakery-style Italian bread with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using this simple recipe. This recipe is great for beginners and uses basic pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 the bowl

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You are looking for a soft, chewy texture.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl with more olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a pizza stone.
  6. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for a second rise for about 30 minutes. While it rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For extra crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  7. Before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to slash the top of the loaf 3 or 4 times, about 1/2 inch deep. This allows the bread to expand properly.
  8. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the bread in the oven.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Italian bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip adding water to the bottom pan for steam.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.

Nutrition

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