Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
This Crusty Italian Bread recipe delivers a classic, rustic loaf with a golden, crackling crust and a soft, airy interior. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—this bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or accompanying your favorite Italian dishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast for a better rise.
- Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet or a floured proofing basket. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). To create steam and promote a crusty exterior, place a shallow pan of water on the oven floor. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.
Notes
- For an even crustier bread, place a metal pan with water in the oven at the start of baking to steam the oven.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy inside.
- Store leftovers in a paper bag to maintain crustiness for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, rustic bread, bread recipe
Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/crusty-italian-bread-recipe/
