Crusty Italian Bread

Discover the joy of baking with our Crusty Italian Bread recipe! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create delicious artisan-style bread right in your own kitchen. This recipe yields two loaves of bread with a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or enjoying with your favorite Italian dishes.

Experience the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen with our Crusty Italian Bread recipe. This simple yet satisfying recipe yields two loaves of artisan-style bread, boasting a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cups flour

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for a few minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and starts to bubble.
2. Mix the Dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough using a dough hook attachment for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let it Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30 minutes.
4. Shape the Loaves: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Final Rise: Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled in size.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Brush the risen loaves with the egg mixture. Using a sharp knife, make a single long cut down the center of each loaf.
7. Create Steam: Place a shallow pan filled with at least one cup of hot water on the rack underneath the bread in the oven. The steam generated will help create a perfectly crispy crust. Monitor the water level during baking and replenish as needed.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Finish with Butter: Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool. For an extra touch of indulgence, rub butter over the hot crusts for added flavor and richness.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy slices of warm Crusty Italian Bread on its own, or serve it alongside your favorite soups, salads, or pasta dishes. This versatile bread also makes a delightful accompaniment to cheese boards or as the base for bruschetta or garlic bread.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, our Crusty Italian Bread recipe allows you to recreate the magic of artisanal bakery bread right in your own home. Delight your family and friends with the irresistible taste and aroma of freshly baked bread today!