Description
Rustic Italian Crusty Bread is a simple, flavorful loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and soft, airy interior. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or as the base for sandwiches, offering bakery-quality results.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for flavor)
- Cornmeal or extra flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil (if using). Stir until a dough begins to form, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If too sticky, add more flour as needed.
- Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan with water on the lower rack for steam. Score the dough with shallow slashes using a sharp knife.
- Bake the bread on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C).
- Cool the bread on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with olive oil or with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme before the first rise.
- For a garlic version, add roasted garlic or sprinkle minced garlic on top before baking.
- Substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- For a crisper crust, bake the bread in a Dutch oven if available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
