Description
This Crusty Italian Bread features a golden-brown crust that crackles delightfully when you slice into it, revealing a soft, airy interior. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, while each bite offers a perfect balance of chewy texture and a subtly sweet, yeasty flavor that lingers on the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf with a few slashes to allow steam to escape.
- Transfer the loaf to the preheated baking stone or sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- This bread can be made a day in advance; store it in a paper bag at room temperature.
- For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Keywords: Crusty Italian Bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, Italian cuisine, baking bread, yeast bread, crusty loaf, bread recipe, easy bread, fresh bread, rustic bread, Italian recipes, bread baking, simple ingredients, traditional bread