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!

  • 01 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Crusty italian bread

{'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:

3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
380g
1 cup water
250g
1 tsp yeast
5g
1 tbsp sugar
16g
1 tsp salt
5g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 tbsp milk (1% fat)
16g

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
- 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.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- 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.
3. Mix the Dough:
- 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.
4. First Rise:
- 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.
5. Shape the Loaf:
- 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.
6. Second Rise:
- 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.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- 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.
8. Prepare for Baking:
- 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.
9. Bake the Bread:
- 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).
10. Cool the Bread:
- 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 Size88 grams
Energy
Calories 180kcal9%
Protein
Protein 6g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 36g11%
Fiber 1.57g4%
Sugar 2.09g2%
Fat
Fat 2.56g3%
Saturated 0.33g1%
Cholesterol 0.09mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 1.09ug0%
Choline 5mg1%
Vitamin B1 0.21mg17%
Vitamin B2 0.03mg2%
Vitamin B3 1.00mg6%
Vitamin B6 0.05mg3%
Vitamin B9 24ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.01ug0%
Vitamin C 0.00mg0%
Vitamin E 0.03mg0%
Vitamin K 0.14ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 16mg1%
Copper, Cu 0.10mg12%
Iron, Fe 0.57mg5%
Magnesium, Mg 18mg4%
Phosphorus, P 70mg5%
Potassium, K 80mg2%
Selenium, Se 10ug17%
Sodium, Na 240mg16%
Zinc, Zn 0.60mg5%
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.

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