Crusty Italian Bread
This Crusty Italian Bread is simple to whip up and no bread pan is needed. Just mix it up, let it rise and bake! Enjoy it anytime!
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water 120-130℉
- 1 package rapid rise instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 6 cups flour
- 3 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix water, yeast and sugar in a mixing bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to foam and double in size.
- In a large mixing bowl add flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky, if it is too sticky add 1/4 cup of flour at a time.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel, place in a warm spot and let rise for 1-2 hours.
- Sprinkle flour onto a work surface and flour your hands. Turn out dough and use your hands to fold the dough onto itself. Don't handle it more than you need to. Divide the dough in half and form it into two balls.
- Place the shaped dough balls onto a baking sheet lightly sprinkled with flour and cut an X shape on each top with a sharp knife.
- Bake in a preheated oven set to 450℉ for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and when tapped sounds hallow. Internal temperature should read 190℉.
- Remove from oven and let sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to remove the bread and place on a wire rack.
- Let cool for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm or toasted with butter or olive oil for dipping.
- Enjoy!
