Description
Rustic Italian crusty bread with a crisp, golden crust and soft, airy interior made using only 4 ingredients—simple, authentic, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
3.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sea salt
1.5 cups warm water
2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Lightly flour your counter and turn the dough out. With floured hands, fold it into a ball.
5. Carve an X or slits into the top of the dough.
6. Place the dough on parchment or a floured pizza peel. Let it rest while preheating the oven.
7. Preheat oven to 450°F with a pizza stone inside. Add a bowl with 2 inches of water to the bottom rack.
8. Slide the dough onto the hot stone. Bake 30 to 45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
9. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Do not knead the dough after rising.
Use semolina or cornmeal to prevent sticking on the pizza stone.
For a crispier crust, allow bread to cool inside the oven with the door slightly open.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian