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Crusty Italian Bread

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This Crusty Italian Bread recipe creates a golden, crispy loaf with a soft, chewy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or just enjoying with a bit of butter, this homemade bread is surprisingly easy to make and offers the perfect bakery-style loaf right from your kitchen.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it on parchment paper.
  4. Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a Dutch oven inside to heat.
  5. Carefully place the dough (with parchment paper) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  6. Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispy crust, use a Dutch oven or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
  • Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a baking sheet or stone and create steam by placing a pan of water in the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/crusty-italian-bread/