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Easy Crusty Homemade Italian Bread: A Bakery-Style Loaf

Cross-section view showing the airy, open crumb structure of a freshly baked Italian bread loaf.
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Follow this simple recipe to bake a bakery-style Italian loaf at home. You will achieve a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry ingredients. This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect 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 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour and salt 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 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a tiny bit more flour, but try to keep the dough soft.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. 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. Shape it into a tight loaf or two smaller loaves.
  7. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This is your second rise.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  9. Before baking, brush the top of the loaf lightly with water. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  10. Carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the bread in the oven.
  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, spray the sides of the oven with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer interior, reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with olive oil for dipping.

Nutrition

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