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Crusty Italian Bread

A simple and comforting homemade Italian bread that fills your kitchen with nostalgic aromas and pairs perfectly with soups, sandwiches, or breakfast toasts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 100–110°F; warm to the touch, not hot)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (adds a touch of warmth and color)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp olive oil (extra-virgin is nice but not necessary)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
Egg Wash
  • 1 tbsp water
Optional Ingredients
  • Butter butter, for brushing crust (optional — use unsalted so you control the salt)
  • 1 clove garlic (to rub on crust for extra flavor)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, pour the warm water and sprinkle in the yeast and brown sugar. Stir gently, and let it sit until foamy — about 5–10 minutes.
  2. Add the olive oil and salt, then start adding the flour a cup at a time. Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides.
  3. Knead with the dough hook for a few minutes until smooth and elastic; or knead by hand on a floured surface.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape each piece into a long loaf. Lay them on a baking sheet.
  2. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled.
  3. Beat the egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush the loaves with this egg wash and make one long slash down the center of each loaf.
  4. Place a shallow pan on the rack beneath where the bread will bake, and pour at least 1 cup of hot water into it just as you put the loaves in.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the loaves are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Cool the loaves on racks, and if you like, brush the hot crust with butter.
  2. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

For a flavor twist, fold in 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or a teaspoon of garlic powder for an herby loaf. Store on the counter wrapped in a clean tea towel for up to 2 days or freeze slices in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.