Description
This crusty Italian bread features a golden, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior, made from simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for everyday meals, sandwiches, or dipping in olive oil.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn once to coat, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 450°F with a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
- Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Carefully transfer the loaf (on parchment) to the preheated surface and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
- Mix in cheese or garlic for a richer loaf.
- Substitute some flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste.
- Use steam in the oven to enhance crustiness.
- Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
