Crusty Italian Bread

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.

Add warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Add honey to the warm water.

Sprinkle active dry yeast over the water and honey mixture.

Let the yeast mixture sit for a few minutes until foamy.

Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture.

Mix on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

Scrape the dough off the dough hook and pour it onto a floured cutting board.

Knead the dough on the cutting board, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Form the dough into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under.

Grease a glass bowl with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Place the dough ball in the greased bowl and cover with a dish towel.

Let the dough rise for about 2-3 hours until doubled in size, checking for the size rather than the time.

Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured cutting board.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens