Description
This homemade Italian bread features a chewy crust and soft, fluffy interior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or baking sheet inside.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Allow the loaf to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Create steam in the oven by adding boiling water to a pan on the lower rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Notes
Store bread at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a kitchen towel for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 75 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg