Crusty italian bread
Discover the perfect recipe for crusty Italian bread! Made with all-purpose white wheat flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and a splash of milk, this easy-to-follow guide will help you bake delicious, golden-brown loaves with a fluffy interior and a crispy crust. Perfect for any meal or as a savory snack!
- 27 Apr 2025
- Cook time 20 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 8 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
{'text': "Crusty Italian bread is a delicious and versatile staple that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Its crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior make it a favorite for dipping into soups, pairing with pasta, or simply enjoying on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create this delightful bread right in your own kitchen."}
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of water (250g) that is lukewarm (around 100°F or 38°C) with 1 tsp yeast (5g) and 1 tbsp sugar (16g). Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of all-purpose white wheat flour (380g) and 1 tsp salt (5g). Mix well.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil (14g) and 1 tbsp milk (16g) to the bowl.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together into a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10-12 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface again, and shape it into a loaf or a round boule shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a lightly oiled proofing basket if you’re using one. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up noticeably.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up; alternatively, you can use a baking sheet.
- Before placing the dough in the oven, you can make a few slashes on the top with a sharp knife or a bread lame to allow steam to escape and give the bread a rustic look.
- Optionally, you can brush the top of the loaf with a little water or additional milk to help create a crisp crust.
- Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be around 200°F (93°C).
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the interior to finish cooking and set properly.
Tips:
- Ensure that the water you use is lukewarm (about 110°F or 45°C) to help activate the yeast effectively.
- For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking the bread. The steam will help create a beautiful crust.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, turn it off, and then let the dough rise inside.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.
{'text': "With its golden crust and airy crumb, your homemade crusty Italian bread will be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're serving it with a hearty meal or enjoying it as a snack, this bread delivers on flavor and texture. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking this classic bread and savor every bite."}
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 88 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 180kcal | 9% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 6g | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 36g | 11% |
| Fiber 1.57g | 4% |
| Sugar 2.09g | 2% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 2.56g | 3% |
| Saturated 0.33g | 1% |
| Cholesterol 0.09mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 1.09ug | 0% |
| Choline 5mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B1 0.21mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B2 0.03mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 1.00mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 0.05mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B9 24ug | 6% |
| Vitamin B12 0.01ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 0.00mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E 0.03mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K 0.14ug | 0% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 16mg | 1% |
| Copper, Cu 0.10mg | 12% |
| Iron, Fe 0.57mg | 5% |
| Magnesium, Mg 18mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus, P 70mg | 5% |
| Potassium, K 80mg | 2% |
| Selenium, Se 10ug | 17% |
| Sodium, Na 240mg | 16% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.60mg | 5% |
| Water | |
| Water 40g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Tuscan beef steaks with char-grilled vegetables
Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious dinner.
30 Mar 2025Spaghetti with tomato, capers, basil and ricotta
Perfectly paired with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic, this easy-to-make pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite! Quick, nutritious, and bursting with Italian flair, it's the ultimate comforting meal for any night of the week.
18 May 2025Tuscan mashed chickpeas with parmesan and parsley
Ready in minutes, it's an effortless way to bring the taste of Tuscany to your table.
04 Apr 2025Eggplant parmigiana
Topped with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese, this classic Italian dish is perfect for a hearty and delicious meal.
30 May 2025