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.
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.