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Crusty Italian Bread

Crusty Italian Bread That Brings Family Together

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe brings warmth to family gatherings with its delightful aroma and easy preparation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Lukewarm Water About 110°F
  • teaspoons Yeast Fresh yeast preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Can substitute with white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Use dried or fresh herbs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with melted butter
  • 3-4 cups All-Purpose Flour Use up to achieve desired texture
  • 1 beaten egg Water For egg wash

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Parchment Paper
  • baking sheet
  • shallow dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons of yeast in a stand mixer bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour into the mixer. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if sticky.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm area for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface and divide into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with beaten egg wash and make diagonal slits to allow steam escape.
  6. Place a shallow dish filled with water on the bottom rack. Bake loaves for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Store in the fridge wrapped in foil for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

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