Description
This Crusty Italian Bread features a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior—perfect for pairing with meals or enjoying on its own. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers bakery-quality results.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt, stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled.
- Punch down dough and shape into a loaf. Place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Make slashes on top with a sharp knife. Place a shallow pan of water in the oven for steam.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until deep golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
- Swap one cup of flour for whole wheat for a heartier version.
- Sprinkle cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Make rolls instead of a single loaf for individual servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
