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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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. 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. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 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. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf by tucking edges underneath.
- 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