Description
This Rustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe yields a deliciously golden, crusty loaf with a soft interior, perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes. Using simple ingredients and traditional techniques, this homemade bread brings the charm of an authentic Italian bakery right to your kitchen in under two hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast; let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix dough: Stir in the all-purpose flour and sea salt into the yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring the ingredients are just combined.
- Knead dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which is essential for good gluten development.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a bowl lightly coated with olive oil, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air and shape it into a round loaf on a clean surface.
- Preheat oven and rest dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes to allow for a final proofing.
- Score the loaf: Using a sharp knife, make slashes on top of the loaf to allow it to expand evenly while baking and to create a rustic appearance.
- Bake: Place the loaf on a preheated baking stone or sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked. Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using a baking stone mimics traditional bread ovens and helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture inside.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for a flavored twist.
- Store leftover bread in a paper bag to maintain its crustiness for up to 2 days.
