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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: Bakery Style Loaf

A loaf of freshly baked Italian bread, sliced open to show the airy, open crumb structure and golden crust.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this easy recipe. You get a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior using simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast together.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning 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 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a pizza stone. Cover loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes for the second rise.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven while preheating to create steam.
  9. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade 3 or 4 times.
  10. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the sides of the oven with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.
  • If you prefer a slightly faster rise, use instant yeast and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in the water first.

Nutrition

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