Description
Crusty Italian Bread is a homemade delight that brings the essence of artisanal baking right to your kitchen. With a beautifully golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite meals. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water and yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough: Add salt and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Your Loaf: Punch down the risen dough gently, shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Place shaped dough on parchment-lined baking sheet, score the top with a knife, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg