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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields a beautifully golden, crisp crust with a soft, airy interior. Made using simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and olive oil, it is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying with your favorite Italian dishes. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise twice, and baked to perfection with an egg white wash to enhance the crust’s shine and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 650 grams bread flour (approximately 5 1/4 cups)
  • 1 3/4 cups warm water (100-110°F / 38-43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Finishing

  • 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) with granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the softened butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 7-8 minutes on medium speed.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf on a lightly floured surface. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
  7. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty metal pan on the lower rack to create steam during baking.
  8. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg white and chilled water together until frothy. Brush this mixture gently over the surface of the dough to enhance crust color and shine.
  9. Create steam and bake: Just before placing the bread in the oven, pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the metal pan to generate steam. Quickly close the oven door and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool and finish: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Brush the crust lightly with extra virgin olive oil while still warm to add flavor and a subtle sheen. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve the crustiness.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for best gluten development and a chewy texture.
  • Ensure water temperature is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Steam in the oven helps develop a crispy crust.
  • Brushing with egg white helps create a glossy, firm crust.
  • Adding olive oil after baking enhances flavor and texture on the crust.
  • Store bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain crustiness longer.

Keywords: Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, artisan bread, baking bread

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