Description
Crusty Italian Bread is the kind of homemade loaf that instantly makes any meal feel warmer and more inviting. With its golden crisp crust, soft chewy center, and classic bakery-style flavor, this easy bread recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast toast, simple lunch sandwich, cozy dinner side, or homemade snack board. If you are looking for bread recipes, easy baking ideas, homemade bread for soup night, or food ideas that make everyday meals feel special, this loaf delivers every time.
Ingredients
4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons cornmeal
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
6. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
8. Place a small oven-safe pan of hot water on the lower rack to create steam.
9. Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading, because a slightly tacky dough helps create the soft airy interior and keeps the loaf from turning dense.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg