Crusty Italian Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Crusty Italian bread is one of the easiest and most satisfying breads you can make at home. It has a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. It tastes great with butter, olive oil, or your favorite pasta dish.

This bread is perfect for any meal. You can use it for sandwiches, serve it with soup, or enjoy it as a snack. It’s also a fun recipe to try if you are just starting to bake your own bread.

You don’t need any special tools to make it. Just a few simple ingredients, a bowl, and your oven. You’ll love how your kitchen smells when it’s baking!

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How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add salt, olive oil, and 3 cups of the flour. Mix well.
3. Add the rest of the flour, a little at a time, and knead the dough until it is smooth and not sticky.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch the dough down. Shape it into a long loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover it again and let it rise for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Make a few cuts on top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
10. Let the bread cool before slicing.