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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields a golden, crispy crust with a soft, airy interior. Featuring simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and olive oil, it combines classic Italian baking techniques to create a delicious artisan-style loaf perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 650 grams bread flour (approximately 5 1/4 cups)
  • 1 3/4 cups warm water (between 100-110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon chilled water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (100-110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and room temperature butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffy.
  7. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and chilled water until frothy. This will give the crust a shiny golden finish.
  8. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty metal baking tray on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  9. Score and brush: Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf. Lightly brush the crust with the egg white wash.
  10. Bake with steam: Place the bread in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Quickly pour one cup of hot water into the empty tray on the bottom rack to create steam, then close the oven door immediately. Bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Finish baking: After 20 minutes, remove the water tray to stop steaming. Continue baking the bread for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy.
  12. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the texture sets well.

Notes

  • Using warm water activates the yeast properly for better rising.
  • Creating steam in the oven helps develop a crisp and shiny crust.
  • Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
  • You can substitute bread flour with high-protein all-purpose flour but expect slightly less chewiness.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper bag to maintain crust crispness.

Keywords: Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, bread recipe, easy bread dough

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/crusty-italian-bread-recipe/