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!
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour1 cup water
1 tsp yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp milk (1% fat)
{'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."}
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 per serving
8 ServingsCalories 180kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 1.57g
Sugar 2.09g
Fat 2.56g
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