Italian Crusty Bread
 3 hours

Ingredients

 5 servings
  1. 3.25 cups all-purpose flour + more for dusting
  2. 1 tsp salt
  3. 1.5 cups warm water
  4. 2 tsp active dry yeast

Steps

  1. In a large mixing bowl or your kitchen aid mixer add the flour, salt and yeast. Use a spatula or the paddle attachment and mix to combine well.
    Pour in the warm water and keep mixing until everything is incorporated and a soft dough has formed. It will still stick to the bottom of the bowl and that is OK. 

    Rustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe step 1 photoRustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe step 1 photoRustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe step 1 photo

  2. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap loosely and a towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 2 hrs / until doubled in size.

  3. Sprinkle some flour on your kitchen counter and dump the bread dough on it. Flour your hands to help it out of the bowl as it will be sticky. Don't panic, this is normal.
    With floured hands fold the dough onto itself forming it into a round ball. Do not knead it, do not handle it anymore than you need to. Use a sharp knife and lightly carve in the top of the loaf or just make a few cuts across.

    Rustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe step 3 photoRustic Italian Crusty Bread recipe step 3 photo

  4. Preheat your oven to 450”F for about 15 minutes before placing bread in and baking the bread.

  5. Fill an oven proof bowl with 2 inches of water and place it on the bottom rack. This will create the steam that will cause the crust to become crispy as it bakes. Place in oven and keep watching until done.

  6. Place the bread dough on top of a lightly floured cardboard or parchment paper, and allow it to rest while your oven is heating up.

  7. Yummy 😋bread