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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread: Bakery-Style Loaf in Your Kitchen

Close-up of the airy, open crumb structure inside a freshly baked loaf of Italian bread.
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You can bake bakery-quality Italian bread at home! This beginner-friendly recipe delivers a loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using simple pantry ingredients. It is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix everything with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. 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 it to spring back slightly when you poke it.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl with extra olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf shape.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover it loosely again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This is your second rise.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want a very crusty exterior, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  9. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water or an egg wash (one egg mixed with one tablespoon of water) for better browning. You can score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if you wish.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If you used the steam pan, carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the pan immediately after placing the bread in the oven, then quickly close the door.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your fresh baked bread aromas!

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, place a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven while preheating.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven with just the light on (do not turn the oven on) to create a warm proofing spot.
  • This bread is excellent for making simple sandwiches or dipping into olive oil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe-crusty-loaf/