Fabulous Crusty Italian Loaf

Experience the magic of homemade bread with the *Fabulous Crusty Italian Loaf*, a showstopper recipe perfect for bread lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike. This artisanal loaf boasts a perfectly golden, crackly crust and a soft, fluffy interior, crafted with just a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and a touch of sugar. With a two-step proofing process and a steam-enhanced bake, this recipe ensures an irresistibly crusty exterior while maintaining a tender crumb inside. Whether paired with a hearty pasta dish, dipped in olive oil, or enjoyed on its own, this versatile Italian bread is an ideal addition to any meal. Simple yet impressive, this recipe transforms your kitchen into a bakery with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cornmeal

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix to combine until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, while kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 4

Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oblong loaf and place it on a baking sheet generously sprinkled with cornmeal.

Step 6

Cover the dough lightly with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam for a crusty exterior.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 3-4 shallow slashes across the top of the loaf to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 9

Bake the bread on the center rack for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy with olive oil, butter, or your favorite accompaniment!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	924.6 grams (924.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2161

Total Fat 34.00g	44%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4734mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate 401.40g	146%
Dietary Fiber 16.30g	58%
Total Sugars 13.70g
Protein 54.10g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 68mg	5%
Iron 23mg	130%
Potassium 693mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.4%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 75.5%