Crusty Italian Bread: A Homemade Delight
There’s something truly special about baking bread at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the satisfaction of slicing through a golden, crusty loaf, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones make it an experience worth savoring. This recipe for Crusty Italian Bread is perfect for anyone looking to create a simple, yet delicious loaf that pairs beautifully with any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp. yeast
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
- 4 cups flour
Directions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Begin by placing the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture stand for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam slightly. - Add Olive Oil and Salt:
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the olive oil and salt. Mix well to combine. - Incorporate the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, use a dough hook attachment to mix the dough for several minutes, or until it begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. - Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the dough with a clean cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This should take about 30 minutes. - Shape the Loaves:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Second Rise:
Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled in size. - Preheat the Oven:
While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Once the loaves have risen, brush them with the egg mixture. - Score the Loaves:
Using a sharp knife, make a single, quick cut down the center of each loaf. - Create Steam in the Oven:
Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan and place it on the oven rack underneath the bread. The steam will help create a perfectly crisp crust. You may need to add more water during baking if necessary. - Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the loaves from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the bread with your favorite meal or as a snack!
Final Thoughts
This Crusty Italian Bread is a fantastic addition to any home baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, using it to make sandwiches, or serving it alongside a hearty soup, this bread is sure to impress. The best part? It’s straightforward enough for beginners but yields results that even seasoned bakers will appreciate.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per slice
- Servings: 20 slices
Happy baking!
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Crusty Italian Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 1x
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp. yeast
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
4 cups flour
Instructions
Place warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir and let stand for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam a bit.
Add olive oil and salt. Mix and add the flour gradually.
Mix with a dough hook for a few minutes until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl.
Cover and let the dough rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Punch down dough, divide in two, and form into two loaves.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Beat together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Brush the risen loaves with the egg mixture. Make a single long quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife.
Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan and place it on the rack underneath the bread. The steam will make the crust turn perfectly. You may need to add a bit more water during cooking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves turn golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them.
Remove from pan and let cool on racks. Enjoy your meals!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 Kcal