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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: Bakery Style at Home

A freshly baked loaf of Italian bread, cut open to show the airy interior crumb, resting on a cooling rack.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and is perfect for beginners needing a quick, homemade loaf for dinner or sandwiches.

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 1/4 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 it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. 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 oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly oiled loaf pan. Cover loosely.
  8. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. 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 later.
  10. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the bread with a few shallow slashes.
  11. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the sides of the oven with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a rustic look, shape the dough into a free-form loaf directly on a baking stone or preheated pizza stone instead of a pan.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes.

Nutrition

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