Description
Crusty Italian Bread is a delicious homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 3 3/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast and 1 1/2 cups warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape into a ball. Do not knead.
- Place seam-side down on parchment paper or a proofing basket. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
- Score the dough with a sharp knife.
- Transfer dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and crusty.
- Let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, consider adding various herbs.
- Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm environment for best results.
- Do not rush the cooling process before slicing, as it helps the texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg