Description
This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields a golden, crackly crust with a soft and fluffy center, perfect for beginners wanting bakery-quality homemade bread. Using simple pantry staples and a few easy steps, it creates a comforting loaf ideal for pairing with soups, pasta, or enjoyed plain with butter.
Ingredients
Scale
Pantry Essentials
- 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Cornmeal for dusting
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, or minced garlic for flavor twists
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for cheesy variations
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms and no dry flour remains.
- Knead Until Smooth: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough to release gas, then shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover again and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake with Steam: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam, which helps develop the crust. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or blade. Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Slice: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to finish cooking internally and helps maintain its airy texture.
Notes
- For best results, weigh your flour using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to maximize yeast activity.
- Don’t skip adding steam in the oven; it is key to achieving the crisp, golden crust.
- Brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
- Add garlic, herbs, or cheeses to the dough to create flavorful variations.
- Store bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freeze slices for longer storage and reheat in the oven to restore crustiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: crusty Italian bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, bakery style bread, baking bread at home, soft bread, crispy crust bread
