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Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for a Perfect Loaf

A freshly baked loaf of italian bread, partially sliced, showing the soft interior and golden crust, resting on a cooling rack.
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Bake bakery-style Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. You will achieve a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior using basic pantry ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one 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 mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it 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 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a small amount of flour, but try to keep the dough soft.
  4. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once 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. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a pizza stone. Lightly brush the top of the loaf with olive oil.
  8. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. This is your second rise.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For extra steam to help the crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating.
  10. Just before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf with three diagonal cuts.
  11. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your **crusty Italian bread**!

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, you can lightly spritz the loaf with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a chewier interior, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight after the first rise.
  • This **homemade Italian bread recipe** is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta sauces.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/easy-homemade-italian-bread-recipe/