Crusty Italian Bread (Printable)
Classic golden-crusted loaf with chewy interior, ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or accompanying soups and sauces.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
03 - 2 teaspoons sugar
04 - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
05 - 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Topping
07 - 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
# Directions:
01 - Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
03 - Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
06 - Punch down the dough and shape into a tight oval or round loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
07 - Cover lightly and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy.
08 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place an empty metal baking pan on the lowest rack.
09 - Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Pour 1 cup hot water into the empty pan for steam. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden-brown and hollow when tapped.
10 - Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The steam trick creates bakery worthy crust that shatters beautifully when you bite into it
- This dough is forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at dinner parties
- Nothing beats warm bread straight from the oven, still slightly steaming when you tear into it
02 -
- The steam step is non negotiable if you want that crispy crackly crust
- Underbaked bread is gummy and dense, so trust the hollow tap test more than the timer
- Letting the bread cool completely prevents it from becoming doughy when you slice it
03 -
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor that everyone will ask about
- A baking stone or pizza steel will give you an even better crust than a baking sheet