Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

bread flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough starter adds depth of flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers a similar richness.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey provides natural sweetness with a unique flavor.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Mix with a whisk.

Add the warm water, and mix by hand just until everything is incorporated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a tea towel, and let it rest at room temperature for 3 hours. The dough should bubble on the top and double in size.

When you are 2 hours into the rest time, preheat the oven to 450 F (425 F convection) for 45 minutes. Put either a cast iron skillet or pizza stone in the oven while it is pre-heating. Also add a pyrex baking dish with at least 2 inches of water in it on the bottom rack.

Place the dough on a floured board, and quickly form it into a ball. (Do not knead.) With a knife, make an X in the top.

Add some cornmeal to the cast iron skillet or pizza stone, and put your bread dough on top. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes (25 to 40 for convection) until golden brown.

When it is done, transfer it to a cooling rack, and allow to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens