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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (Bakery Style)

Close-up of the airy, open crumb structure inside a freshly baked Italian bread loaf.
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Bake bakery-quality Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic 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 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the bowl)

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.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture 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.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over 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 doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a long loaf.
  8. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  10. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Score the top with a sharp knife if desired.
  11. Place the loaf in the oven. Pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for dipping in olive oil and herbs.
  • You can use this dough to make smaller rolls instead of one large loaf.

Nutrition

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