Name: Crusty Italian Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Why Make This Recipe

Making Crusty Italian Bread at home is rewarding and satisfying. This bread has a lovely, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior that elevates any meal. It’s perfect for sandwiches, as a side for soups, or simply enjoyed with a bit of olive oil. Plus, the process of making it can be a relaxing and fun experience!

How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil; stir until a rough dough forms.
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled.
Preheat oven to 450°F; place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
Punch down risen dough; shape into a round loaf; place on parchment paper.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Score the top with a sharp knife; transfer the loaf (on parchment) to the hot stone or sheet; bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve Crusty Italian Bread

Serve Crusty Italian Bread warm, sliced, and with a drizzle of olive oil for dipping. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic butter, fresh herbs, or as a base for bruschetta.

How to Store Crusty Italian Bread

To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic and freeze it. When ready to eat, let it thaw and bake it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crustiness.

Tips to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Ensure your water is warm, but not too hot, to protect the yeast.
Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for a nice texture.
If your kitchen is cold, create a warm environment for the dough to rise by placing it in the oven with the light on or near a radiator.

Variation

You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for added flavor, or mix in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on the classic loaf.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, using bread flour will give your Italian bread even more structure, resulting in a chewier texture.

2. What should I do if my yeast doesn’t foam?
If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired or your water temperature may have been too hot or too cold. It’s best to start over with fresh yeast and warm water.

3. How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; it should read about 190°F to 200°F.