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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread: Bakery-Style Loaf

A golden-brown, crusty loaf of homemade Italian bread cooling on a wire rack near a window.
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You can bake bakery-quality Italian bread at home with this simple, beginner-friendly recipe. This loaf features a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for dipping or making sandwiches.

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 (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and the olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You want a soft, chewy texture.
  5. Lightly grease a large 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.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise develops the flavor.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf shape.
  8. Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. Cover loosely and let it rest for a second rise for 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven heats; this will hold water for steam.
  10. Just before baking, slash the top of the loaf two or three times with a sharp knife or razor blade.
  11. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Italian bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the sides of the oven with water two times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a slightly faster rise, ensure your water temperature is correct and place the dough in a slightly warmer spot, like inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
  • This bread is fantastic for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.

Nutrition

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