Homemade Italian Bread
Discover the authentic taste of Italy with this homemade Italian bread, boasting a crisp crust and soft, airy interior perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For an extra flavorful crust, brush the loaf with olive oil before baking and sprinkle with rosemary or sea salt.
Find it online: https://foodnarrative.com/homemade-italian-bread/