Description
This recipe yields the best crusty Italian bread with a golden crust and soft interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet.
- Let the loaf rest for 30 minutes.
- Make slashes on top of the loaf and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Store bread in a paper bag to maintain crustiness.
- This bread can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: best crusty italian bread, homemade bread, Italian bread recipe