Description
Delightful Crusty Italian Bread brings Mediterranean warmth to kitchen counters with rustic charm. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite home cooks to savor authentic Italian baking traditions while filling spaces with irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons / 7 grams) active dry yeast
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by blending warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small container. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
- Create a flour base in a large mixing vessel by combining flour and salt. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and stretchy consistency. Form into a rounded mass and nestle in a lightly greased container.
- Drape a cloth over the dough and permit rising in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles substantially.
- Deflate the risen dough and reshape on a floured workspace. Mold into an elongated loaf or split into two smaller portions. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and loosely cover for an additional 30-minute proofing.
- Heat the oven to 425F (220C). Slash 3-4 diagonal cuts across the dough’s surface. Position a pan of steaming water on the lower oven rack to enhance crust development.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior transforms to a rich golden hue and sounds hollow when tapped. The crust should appear crisp and enticing.
- Rest the bread on a wire rack for minimum 15 minutes before slicing. Complement with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, butter, or serve alongside pasta.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely with water around 110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop strong gluten networks, creating that signature chewy Italian bread texture.
- Steam technique in the oven helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust by mimicking professional bakery conditions.
- Store bread in a paper bag at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 160kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg