Description
A straightforward recipe for a rustic loaf of crusty Italian bread that’s perfect for any 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 the crust (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the olive oil and salt to the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, stirring until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough using a dough hook for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 30 minutes.
- Punch down the risen dough, divide it in half, and shape each half into loaves. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Brush the loaves with the egg wash and make a long slit down the center of each loaf.
- Place a shallow pan with at least 1 cup of hot water on the oven rack below the bread.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the loaves to cool on racks. Brush with melted butter while they’re still warm if desired.
Notes
For a more robust flavor, let the dough rise longer, even overnight in the refrigerator. You can add herbs for an aromatic twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bread, Italian bread, homemade bread, baking, crusty bread