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+ servings
Maya

Crusty Italian Bread: Bake Perfect Crust Every Time!

A simple and delicious recipe for crusty Italian bread that yields a perfect crust every time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water about 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.
  7. Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Using a sharp knife, make a few slashes on the top of the loaf. Carefully transfer the loaf (with the parchment paper) onto the hot baking stone or sheet.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • To add flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (like rosemary or oregano) into the dough before kneading.

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