Description
Experience the rustic charm of baking with this crusty Italian bread, offering a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 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
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add yeast and warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and let it rise for about 120 minutes until doubled in size.
- Gently turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a ball.
- Place the dough seam-side down on parchment and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F, placing a Dutch oven inside to heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
- Transfer the dough with parchment into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 60 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For best flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. Take care not to under- or over-proof the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg