Traditional Italian Bread

Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this traditional Italian bread, featuring a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb, perfect for any meal.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
Step 7: Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Make shallow cuts on the top of the loaf, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Storage

Store in a bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.