There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked bread with a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, pairing it with a hearty soup, or enjoying it with a smear of butter, this bread is a true delight. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity—crunchy on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside. The aroma of homemade bread filling your kitchen is pure comfort, and even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is foolproof and rewarding.
What You’ll Need
Kitchen Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or lame (for scoring)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal.
5. Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.
6. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.
7. Score and Bake
Just before baking, use a sharp knife or lame to make shallow slashes on top of the loaf—this helps the bread expand while baking. Transfer the dough (along with the parchment paper) onto the preheated baking sheet or stone. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool before slicing.
Timing:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Why You’ll Love This Bread
This Crusty Italian Bread is a staple for any home baker. Its golden crust and soft, chewy interior make it perfect for dipping, spreading, or simply enjoying on its own. Whether you’re making a special meal or just craving fresh bread, this easy recipe will bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.