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Rustic Italian Crusty Bread

A traditional artisan-style Italian bread with a crispy golden crust and soft, airy interior—perfect for dipping, serving, or enjoying warm.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 large loaf
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: Artisan, Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1.75 cups warm water
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Dutch oven
  • Parchment paper
  • Bench scraper

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl and rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Add flour and salt. Mix into a shaggy dough.
  3. Add olive oil if using and mix well.
  4. Cover and let dough rest for 30 minutes.
  5. Perform a stretch-and-fold series 4–6 times.
  6. Rest 30 minutes and repeat stretch-and-fold.
  7. Let dough rise 1.5–2 hours or until doubled.
  8. Preheat oven with Dutch oven inside to 475°F (245°C).
  9. Shape dough into a tight round loaf.
  10. Place dough on parchment and rest 20–30 minutes.
  11. Transfer dough to hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake 30 minutes.
  12. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until golden.
  13. Cool fully before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, allow dough to ferment overnight in the refrigerator. Steam is essential for a crisp crust.