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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread: Bakery-Style Loaf

A golden-brown, round loaf of crusty Italian bread sitting on a white plate.
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You can bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. It delivers a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry 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, plus more for the bowl

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  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, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You want a soft inside, so do not over-flour the surface.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise develops the flavor.
  7. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
  8. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover it loosely.
  9. Let the dough have a second, shorter rise for about 30 to 45 minutes. While it rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  10. Before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf with a few shallow diagonal cuts.
  11. If you used the steam pan, carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack and quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the aroma of fresh baked bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, lightly spritz the loaf with water every 10 minutes during the first 20 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a chewier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta meals.

Nutrition

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