Crusty Italian Bread: Homemade Baking Recipe (Print Version)
Bake a crusty Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. Achieve a golden crust and airy interior for sandwiches or dipping. Easy homemade baking.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan
# Ingredients:
→ The Foundation Flour Blend
01 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 cup bread flour
03 -
1/4 cup fine semolina flour
→ The Leavening & Hydration Core
04 -
1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
05 -
2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
06 -
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
→ Flavor & Crumb Enhancers
07 -
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
08 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for the dough)
09 -
1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
→ The Baker's Finishing Touches
10 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
11 -
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for brushing the crust)
12 -
1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F), 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
02 -
In a separate large bowl, thoroughly whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup fine semolina flour, and 2 teaspoons fine sea salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined for consistent texture.
03 -
Add the activated yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
04 -
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Grease a clean large bowl with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, place the dough in it, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a great Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for Perfect Homemade Baking.
05 -
Gently punch down the dough and shape it into your desired round or oblong loaf. Dust a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon cornmeal. Place the loaf on it, cover, and let rise for another 45-60 minutes. This step is key to developing the airy crumb of your Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for Perfect Homemade Baking. Preheat oven to 450°F.
06 -
Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or lame (1/2-inch deep). Bake for 20 minutes at 450°F. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. For the ultimate Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for Perfect Homemade Baking, consider adding steam to your oven during the first bake.
07 -
Remove the bread from the oven. Immediately brush the crust with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil for extra shine and flavor. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for Perfect Homemade Baking!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra crispy crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven during the first 15 minutes of baking to create steam.
02 -
Store cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze sliced bread for longer storage.
03 -
If you don't have white wine vinegar, a small pinch of ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder) or lemon juice can provide a similar flavor and dough conditioning effect.
04 -
This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving with pasta, or making delicious sandwiches.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
04 -
Dough scraper
05 -
Baking sheet
06 -
Parchment paper
07 -
Dutch oven
08 -
Wire cooling rack
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 243 kcal
Total Fat: 6 g
Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
Protein: 6 g