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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread for Beginners

A split image showing the airy crumb and golden, flour-dusted crust of the easy italian bread.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You will achieve a golden, crispy 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 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning 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. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf.
  8. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely.
  9. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. This is your second rise.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  11. Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf lightly with water. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F. For extra crust, spray the oven walls with water during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while preheating and baking.
  • If you do not have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead this dough entirely by hand.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or dipped in olive oil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe-homemade/