Irresistible Crusty Italian Bread Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked crusty Italian bread wafting through your home. It envelops you like a warm hug, promising a delightful crunch with every bite and a soft, chewy center that makes your taste buds dance. delicious soup pairing Imagine slathering it with rich olive oil or pairing it with a bowl of zesty marinara sauce; the possibilities are endless, and trust me, they are all delicious. alternative bread recipe perfect dipping sauce. For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.

I still remember the first time I attempted to bake crusty Italian bread. My kitchen looked like a flour bomb exploded, and let me tell you, my cat was not amused. But the moment I pulled that golden loaf from the oven, with its crispy crust crackling under my fingers, I knew I had created something special. comforting side dish Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this bread is always a showstopper.

I’ll never forget the look on my friend’s face when she took her first bite of this bread; her eyes went wide in disbelief at how something so simple could be so good.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-purpose Flour: This is the base of our bread; choose high-quality flour for the best texture.

• Warm Water: Use water between 100°F (37°C) and 110°F (43°C) to activate your yeast properly.

• Active Dry Yeast: Opt for fresh yeast for maximum rise; check expiration dates carefully.

• Salt: Helps enhance flavor; sea salt works best for this recipe.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture; use extra virgin for outstanding flavor.

• Sugar: A small amount feeds the yeast and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Activate Your Yeast: Begin by combining warm water and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your bread rises beautifully.

Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with olive oil. Stir until combined; you’ll have a shaggy dough at this point.

Kneading Time!: Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of kneading while visualizing that crusty Italian bread in all its glory.

The First Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Patience is key here!

Shape Your Loaf: After rising, gently punch down your dough to release excess air. Shape it into a round loaf by tucking edges underneath—this helps create that wonderful crusty exterior.

Baking Magic Happens!: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your shaped loaf on parchment paper or directly on a baking stone. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom—that’s when you know it’s perfect!

Now you have an artisan-quality loaf of crusty Italian bread that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself if you’re feeling selfish!

Baking crusty Italian bread is not just about following steps; it’s an experience filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a bit of chaos in the kitchen! Enjoy each slice with friends or family—they’ll surely appreciate the effort behind this delightful treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly, allowing the dough to rise twice before baking. This ensures a light texture and flavorful crust.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic into the dough for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with different flours for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

To store crusty Italian bread, keep it in a paper bag at room temperature. For reheating, wrap in foil and warm in the oven to regain its crispness. For more inspiration, check out this Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap recipe.

It was a rainy Saturday when I first baked this bread; the smell wafted through my house, making everyone suddenly interested in dinner plans.

FAQ

How long does it take to make Crusty Italian Bread?

From start to finish, expect about 4 hours including rising and baking time.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but you may need to adjust hydration levels as whole wheat absorbs more water.

What’s the best way to slice Crusty Italian Bread?

Use a serrated knife for clean slices without crushing the loaf.

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Crusty Italian Bread

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• Author: Remy Berengar
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Crusty Italian bread is a culinary delight that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a golden-brown loaf with a crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying alone. Serve it warm with olive oil or alongside zesty marinara sauce for a delicious treat that will impress everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (100°F – 110°F)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

1. 1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until combined to form a shaggy dough.
3. 3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. 5. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf by tucking edges underneath.
6. 6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place on parchment paper or baking stone and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg