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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread

A close-up of a thick slice of Italian bread showing an airy, open crumb structure and a dark, crispy crust.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  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 towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  8. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely.
  9. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. This is your second rise.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  11. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F. For extra crust, spray the oven walls with water 3 times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip spraying the oven walls with water during baking.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta dishes.

Nutrition

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