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Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: Bakery Style Loaf at Home

Close-up of a slice of amazing 1 hour Italian bread showing its airy, open crumb structure and golden crust.
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Make bakery-quality Italian bread at home with this easy recipe. You achieve a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior using simple ingredients. This loaf is perfect for serving with pasta sauces or making sandwiches.

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 (1 packet)
  • 1 1/4 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 stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
  8. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover it loosely.
  9. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. This is the second rise.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam for a crispier crust.
  11. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water and score the top surface with a sharp knife if desired.
  12. Carefully place the loaf in the oven. Pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  13. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  14. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this homemade Italian bread warm.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the steam pan method.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/easy-crusty-italian-bread-recipe/