Description
Homemade crusty Italian bread delivers authentic Mediterranean flavor with simple ingredients and traditional techniques. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite bakers to enjoy a slice of Italy’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (948 ml) flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (11 ml) yeast
- 1 ⅓ cups (317 ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7 ml) salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture bloom for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Create Liquid Base: Mix olive oil and salt into the activated yeast, forming a foundational liquid.
- Develop Dough: Gradually fold flour into the liquid, using a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead until smooth and elastic, cleanly separating from the bowl’s sides.
- First Fermentation: Transfer dough to an oiled container, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until dramatically expanded, about 30-40 minutes.
- Shape Loaves: Gently deflate the dough, divide into two portions, and shape into elongated loaves with smooth surfaces and tapered ends. Cover with a damp cloth for a second rise until visibly larger.
- Prepare Oven: Preheat to 375°F, placing a shallow pan on the lower rack. Whisk egg with water to create a glossy wash.
- Finish and Bake: Brush loaves with egg mixture, score a central incision along each loaf. Pour hot water into the shallow pan to generate steam. Bake for 25-30 minutes until rich amber in color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove bread from oven, transfer to cooling racks. Allow complete temperature reduction before slicing.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly wake up yeast without killing it.
- Knead for Texture: Develop gluten thoroughly by kneading 8-10 minutes to achieve perfect bread elasticity and structure.
- Steam Creates Crust: Hot water pan method generates professional bakery-style crispy, golden exterior with beautiful sheen.
- Cool Completely: Allow bread to rest on wire rack for minimum 1 hour to prevent gummy interior and maintain ideal crumb texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg