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Easy Bakery-Style Crusty Italian Bread: Foolproof Recipe for the Perfect Crispy Crust and Soft Interior

Cross-section of a loaf of amazing 1-hour italian bread showing a golden, airy crumb and crust.
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Bake a classic Italian bread loaf with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior using this simple, straightforward recipe. This bread is perfect for dipping or serving with any dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a prepared loaf pan. Cover it loosely.
  8. Let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it looks puffy. This is your second rise.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  10. Before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the bread with a few shallow slashes.
  11. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the aroma of fresh baked bread.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the sides of the oven with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a rustic Italian loaf, shape it into a longer, free-form shape rather than using a loaf pan.
  • This bread is excellent for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/easy-italian-bread-crusty-soft-recipe/