Description
Crusty Italian Bread brings the warm, inviting aroma of homemade baking right into your home. With its perfectly crisp crust and soft, airy interior, this bread is not just a side dish; it’s an experience. Ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with your favorite dips and meals, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow any guest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water with active dry yeast and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- 2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center; pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until shaggy.
- 3. Knead: On a floured surface, knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (1-2 hours).
- 5. Shape: Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper to rise again for an hour.
- 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Score the top of the loaf and bake on hot stone/tray for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (45g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg