Description
This crusty Italian bread recipe creates a delightful, easy-to-make loaf perfect for any meal. Enjoy homemade crusty bread with a beautiful golden crust and a soft, airy interior. This traditional Italian bread is ideal for dipping in olive oil, serving with pasta, or making delicious bruschetta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise helps develop the authentic Italian bread flavor.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release air.
- On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a rustic Italian bread loaf. You can make a round or oblong shape for your homemade crusty bread.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise contributes to the light texture of the crusty artisan bread.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or cast-iron skillet inside, if you have one. For extra crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated baking stone or skillet. If not using, simply bake on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crusty Italian bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The high heat ensures a perfect crust.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is crucial for the best crusty bread texture.
Notes
- For an even crispier crust on your homemade crusty bread, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
- Leftover crusty Italian bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This traditional Italian bread also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or dried oregano to the dough for a different flavor profile in your rustic Italian bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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