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Crusty Italian Bread: Bake the Perfect Loaf Today!

A simple and delicious recipe for baking crusty Italian bread at home.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
  • Cornmeal for dusting

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
  6. Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
  8. Just before baking, make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
  9. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
  • To add flavor, mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough before the first rise.