Description
Learn how to make a delicious Rustic Italian Crusty Bread at home with this easy recipe. This bread has a golden brown crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying with your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise Dough: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Place the bread in the oven and add hot water to create steam. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and crusty. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or oregano to the dough.
- The steam step is key to achieving a crisp crust.
- Store in a paper bag at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
