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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread: Bakery-Style Loaf

Close-up of the airy, open crumb structure inside a freshly baked Italian bread loaf.
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You can bake perfect, bakery-style Italian bread at home using simple ingredients. This recipe focuses on achieving a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior. It is beginner-friendly and great for dipping or making sandwiches.

Ingredients

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  • 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 the mixture becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix 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 are looking for a dough that springs back slowly when you poke it.
  4. Lightly oil a clean large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat the surface lightly with oil.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. 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. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly oiled loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. This is your second rise.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For extra crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  9. Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
  10. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  12. 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, brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the steam pan in the oven.
  • This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta meals.

Nutrition

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