Description
A timeless recipe for homemade crusty Italian bread that brings warmth and aroma into your kitchen, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Butter (for brushing crust, optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture lightly and let it sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
- Mix dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead: If using a dough hook, knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also knead by hand on a lightly floured surface.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
- Shape loaves: Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape each half into a loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second rise: Cover the loaves again with a damp cloth, allowing them to rise until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the tops of the loaves, then make one long slash down the center of each with a sharp knife.
- Bake: Place a shallow pan with at least 1 cup of hot water beneath the bread in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on wire racks. If desired, brush the hot crust with melted butter for an extra delicious finish.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs or shredded cheese into the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, crusty bread, baking, easy recipe