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Crusty Italian Bread

Crusty Italian Bread: Bake Your Way to Comforting Deliciousness

Discover the joy of making Crusty Italian Bread, a deliciously versatile addition to any meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Warm Water Comfortably warm, not hot
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Feeds the yeast
  • 2 teaspoons Yeast Check for freshness
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with whole wheat
  • 2 teaspoons Salt Essential for taste

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crusty Italian Bread
  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Make a well, pour in the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Form the Dough: Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a baking stone inside.
  6. Shape the Dough: Punch it down, transfer to a floured surface, shape it into a round loaf, and place it onto a cornmeal-dusted parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Second Rise and Score: Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes. Use a knife to score the top.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

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