Description
This Rustic Italian Bread is a classic homemade artisan loaf known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it offers a traditional taste of Italy and pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. The recipe features an easy dough preparation, rising periods for optimal texture, and baking techniques that create a beautifully crusty yet tender bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: After the yeast is activated, add the olive oil. Gradually stir in the flour and salt to the yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a rustic round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Just before baking, slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. For a crispier crust, optionally spray the oven with water or place a pan of hot water inside the oven to create steam.
- Bake Bread: Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
- Substitute 1 cup of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and denser texture.
- This bread freezes well—slice and wrap slices tightly before freezing for easy toasting later.
