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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread

A freshly baked loaf of golden brown Italian bread with a dusted flour crust resting on a wooden cutting board.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home. This recipe yields a loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using simple pantry ingredients.

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 1/2 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 the mixture becomes foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of 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 the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly oil a clean large 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 it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a tight loaf shape (oval or round).
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared 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. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise. For extra crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
  9. Lightly brush the top of the loaf with water or an egg wash for color. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife (two or three shallow diagonal cuts).
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, skip adding the water pan for steam during baking.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta meals.

Nutrition

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