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Crusty Italian Bread

This homemade Crusty Italian Bread features a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, airy interior, perfect for sopping up sauces or making gourmet sandwiches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Plus additional flour for dusting
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1.75 cups warm water (approximately 110°F)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix until combined.
  3. Sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Transfer the dough and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf as desired.
  6. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for another hour.
  7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  8. Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to score the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Store any leftovers in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze wrapped tightly. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.