Bread making is an art form, and this Rustic Italian Bread recipe is a fool-proof masterpiece! There is something so beautiful about a perfectly baked loaf of hot-from-the-oven, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bread. It can evoke strong emotions. Further, it can drive away the clouds on a rainy day and bring the family together around a table. With one slice, it can turn a bowl of stew into a feast! In fact, some of the most memorable items I’ve eaten in my life were surrounded by, accompanied with, or just plain a-piece-of perfect bread.
Bread Baking
My love of food is decades old, but my baking abilities have been (and still are) a work-in-progress. A few years ago, I made it one of my New Year’s resolutions to make a loaf of bread a week until I had “mastered” the art of baking bread. It was April by the time I knew what I was doing. By then, I could tell based on the weather how well my dough would rise. Plus, I had found the perfect place in my house for the bread to rest. And I knew with my eyes closed when just the right amount of flour and kneading had been accomplished. To this day, it is one of the only New Year’s Resolutions I have actually succeeded in checking off my list! One of the other big ones being an online venture to help assist Christians redeem culture in everyday ways!
Mastering the Art of Bread Making
Amazingly, this small challenge has drastically changed the way I cook. Now, fresh-baked breads are now a staple to many of our meals and snacks. Often, they tag along as part of a dinner I take friends or family. Whenever necessary, I whip up a batch of rolls, buns, or loaves with no stress, no fuss, and little extra time in my day! In short, I highly encourage that if you’re not comfortable with your bread baking, this New Year, consider challenging yourself to master this art. Luckily, this rustic Italian bread recipe is the perfect one to start with!
Italian Bread Recipe
This Rustic Italian Bread recipe is extremely simple, very versatile. Alternatively, throw in a clove of roasted garlic, fresh herbs like Rosemary or Thyme, or top it with grated cheese for a whole new variety. Plus, it’s tough to screw up. I can’t wait to hear how you make this basic bread recipe your own favorite mouthful.
Once you’ve mastered this one, try a dessert variety like Chocolate Babka Bread. It makes a perfect holiday gift, and is delicious as a breakfast bread with a strong cup of coffee!! Or try these incredibly flavorful Dill Dinner Rolls.
Rustic Italian Bread
Ingredients
- 3 c. Flour
- 1 c. Warm Water 100° – 110°
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Sugar
- ¾ tsp Salt
- 2 ¼ tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 1 Egg White slightly beaten
- Cornmeal or Polenta optional
- Coarse Sea Salt optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, & water. Allow to sit & activate for 5 minutes. Add oil.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Add to yeast mixture & stir to combine. Turn out on a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat, cover and let rise in warm place (85°) for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.(Alternatively: Place first 6 ingredients in a bread machine and set to “dough” cycle.)
- Punch down and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Form into a ball or loaf (or rolls, buns, breadsticks, etc) and place on baking sheet or bread stone sprinkled with cornmeal or polenta. Cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut a few slits in the top of the bread and brush loaf with beaten egg white. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt (optional).
- Bake in 375° preheated oven for 25 – 35 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp on the top and sounds hollow when tapped. (Bake for only 10-15 minutes if making rolls, buns, or breadsticks.)
- Allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
⭐ Don’t go yet! Leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts. ⭐
I am in the process of learning to make bread myself.
I made some Challah bread at Christmas for myself and neighbors.
I want to try this recipe.
I’m sure you’ll love this bread!! Let me know how it turns out.