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Easy Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This easy Italian bread recipe yields a crusty, golden loaf with a soft, airy crumb that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes. Made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this homemade bread brings authentic Italian bakery flavors to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: Pour 1 ½ cups of warm water (110°F/43°C) into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface and optionally add a pinch of sugar to help activate the yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of salt to the yeast mixture. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir together with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour; if too dry, add a little more water.
  3. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently poked. Proper kneading develops gluten for structure and texture.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a mixing bowl and place the kneaded dough inside, turning once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it to rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Shape, score, and bake: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess gas. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife or lame to score 3-4 diagonal slashes on the loaf’s surface. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pan filled with water on the bottom rack to generate steam during baking. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crusty. Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when done.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Adding steam in the oven helps create a crispy crust.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to retain its texture.
  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • Store leftover bread in a paper bag to maintain crustiness.

Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, crusty bread, bread recipe, easy bread, yeast bread

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/easy-italian-bread-recipe/