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Crusty Italian Bread: Bake the Perfect Crust Every Time

Crusty Italian Bread: Bake Perfect Crust Every Time!

Learn how to bake crusty Italian bread that has the perfect crust every time with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1.5 cups warm water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast together.
  2. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
  4. After rising, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest on a floured surface, covered, for 1-2 hours.
  5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
  6. Once preheated, carefully transfer the dough into the Dutch oven and cover.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until browned.
  8. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic to the dough.
  • Use a cooking thermometer to check internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crusty Italian Bread, Bake Perfect Crust, Bread Recipe