Description
This recipe for Best Crusty Italian Bread yields a deliciously crisp and chewy loaf that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or simply on its own. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have homemade bread that rivals a bakery’s.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape dough into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor.
- For a more rustic look, slash the top of the dough before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg