Description
A delightful crusty Italian bread with a golden-brown crust and airy interior, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100°F-110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast into the mixture.
- Pour warm water into the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Flour your surface and gently turn out the risen dough, shaping it into a ball.
- Place dough seam-side down in a proofing basket or on parchment paper, cover, and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F.
- Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife and transfer it to the heated Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, prepare the dough overnight in the refrigerator for deepened taste. Serve with olive oil or as a base for bruschetta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian bread, baking, crusty bread, homemade bread, yeast bread