Crusty Italian Bread
Crusty Italian Bread is a homemade delight that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. With its golden-brown crust and soft, pillowy interior, this versatile bread is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying it fresh with butter, pairing it with soup, or dipping it in olive oil. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels. Impress your family and friends with this authentic Italian experience right at home.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil and salt to the mixture, then gradually stir in all-purpose flour until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover again and let rise for an additional 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Make shallow slashes on top of the loaf before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. - To store leftovers, wrap in a kitchen towel and place in a paper bag at room temperature or freeze slices for longer preservation.