Crusty Italian Bread
A simple yet rewarding recipe for Crusty Italian Bread that is fresh, golden, and irresistibly warm. Perfect for soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, making a well in the center.
- Pour in the yeast mixture to bring life to your dough.
- Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Score the top of the loaf with a few slashes.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Store leftover bread in a cloth or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg