Easy Homemade Italian Bread – Rustic Italian Bread Recipe

bread flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients, while all-purpose is more accessible.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough adds flavor and probiotics, while instant yeast is convenient.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthy, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

salt

Mix 1.5 cups warm water, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 2 teaspoons dry yeast in a bowl.

Add 3.5 cups all-purpose flour to the mixture and mix until combined.

The dough will be sticky; form it into a ball.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel; let it rest for 2-3 hours.

Flour your hands and the board to handle the sticky dough.

Form the dough into a round loaf without kneading it too much.

Dust parchment paper with semolina flour and place the loaf on it.

Make a cut in the shape of an 'X' on top of the loaf.

Preheat the oven to 450°F and place 8 ounces of water on the bottom shelf for steam.

Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes.

Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing 1 cup olive oil, chopped garlic, fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Let the dipping sauce rest for about 15 minutes before serving.

Cool the bread on a wire rack for about 5-15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens