Description
Experience the joy of baking with this Tempting Crusty Italian Bread Recipe. With a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread is perfect for soaking up sauces, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying with olive oil. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s an accessible yet rewarding baking project that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and create memorable meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C) (360ml)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
- 2 teaspoons salt (10g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
- Gently punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and let it rest on parchment paper covered with a towel for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or tray inside to heat up.
- Transfer the dough onto the hot stone/tray, score the top with a sharp knife for steam release, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg