Print

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 123 reviews

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe yields a golden, crisp exterior with a soft, airy crumb inside. Using simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and olive oil, this homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or accompanying your favorite Italian dishes. The process includes mixing, proofing, shaping, and baking to create an authentic Italian loaf with a delightful crust and chewy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

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

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon chilled water

Finishing

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the bread flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and the room temperature butter. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
  4. First Proofing: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a long oval or round loaf, depending on your preference. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a lightly greased bread pan.
  6. Second Proofing: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg white with chilled water. Brush this egg wash lightly over the surface of the dough to give the bread a beautiful shine after baking.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps form a crusty exterior.
  9. Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make a few shallow slashes across the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand during baking.
  10. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Cool and Finish: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top with extra virgin olive oil for flavor and softness. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Use bread flour for better gluten development and structure.
  • Steam in the oven is essential for a crisp crust; placing a pan of water in the oven creates this effect.
  • Allow bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
  • Egg wash can be omitted for a more rustic, matte finish.

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