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Rustic Italian Crusty Bread

Rustic Italian Crusty Bread that Brings Comfort Home

Discover the joy of making Rustic Italian Crusty Bread, a simple recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour Provides structure and chewiness
  • 1 tablespoon salt Enhances flavor and keeps yeast activity in check
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Feeds yeast for rise; can substitute with honey
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast Allows for quicker rise
  • 1.5 cups warm water Heat between 110°F to 115°F for best results
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness to the dough
  • 1 tablespoon herbs (like rosemary or thyme) For added flavor
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese For savory twist

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden Spoon
  • floured surface
  • Loaf pan
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl until uniform.
  2. Incorporate warm water: Gradually pour in warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough, transfer to a floured surface, and shape into a loaf.
  6. Second rise: Cover shaped loaf and let rise again in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled.
  7. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises.
  8. Bake the bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool and slice: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven if crustiness is lost.

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