Description
Crusty Italian bread is a classic rustic loaf with a golden, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior—perfect for dipping in olive oil, making sandwiches, or serving with soups.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and shape into a round or oval loaf.
- Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
- Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until crusty and golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For extra crustiness, place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking.
- Allow bread to cool completely to finish setting the crumb.
- Store at room temperature wrapped in a cloth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian