Rustic Italian Crusty Bread

Rustic Italian Crusty Bread is a delightfully hearty loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for dipping in olive oil, slathering with butter, or serving alongside soups and stews, this bread embodies the essence of traditional Italian baking.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-style loaf at home that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and sure to impress.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Clean kitchen towel
• Dutch oven or baking stone
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Ingredients Overview

• Flour: Use all-purpose or bread flour for the perfect texture.
• Yeast: Provides the lift for the airy interior. Instant or active dry yeast works well.
• Water: Lukewarm water helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5–6 minutes.
4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.
6. Second Rise:
   Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
7. Bake the Bread:
   Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Hydration Matters: Use slightly less or more water based on your flour type and humidity level.
• Steam for Crustiness: If not using a Dutch oven, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.
• Storage: Store in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 2 days.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Soups and Stews: This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like minestrone or beef stew.
• Dipping Oil: Mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for a simple appetizer.
• Sandwiches: Slice and use for sandwiches or paninis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Do I need a Dutch oven?
No, but it helps create steam for a crisp crust. Use a baking stone and place a pan of water in the oven as an alternative.

Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, slice the bread and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cheese board featuring Italian cheeses and cured meats.
• Toast slices for breakfast with butter and jam.
• Use as a base for bruschetta or crostini.

Rustic Italian Crusty Bread is an essential recipe for any bread lover. Its crispy crust and tender interior make it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again!

Rustic Italian Crusty Bread

Rustic Italian Crusty Bread is a delightfully hearty loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for dipping in olive oil, slathering with butter, or serving alongside soups and stews, this bread embodies the essence of traditional Italian baking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-style loaf at home that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water 110°F to 115°F

Instructions

 

• Activate the Yeast:
• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• Mix the Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the Dough:
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5–6 minutes.
• First Rise:
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Shape the Loaf:
• Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.
• Second Rise:
• Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
• Bake the Bread:
• Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
• Cool and Serve:
• Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.