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Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 376 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 21 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make a delicious and crusty Italian bread at home with this simple recipe. The key to success lies in using a mixture of different flours and following the step-by-step instructions carefully.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Flour Mix:

  • 100 gr strong flour
  • 100 gr wholemeal spelt flour
  • 300 gr wheat flour type '0'

Other Ingredients:

  • 350 gr water
  • 2 gr dehydrated beer yeast
  • 8 gr salt
  • 3 gr diastatic malt (substitute with honey)

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients: Combine flour, malt, and yeast in the mixer bowl.
  2. Mix: Start mixing at low speed, gradually adding water. Add salt halfway through mixing.
  3. Kneading: Continue mixing until dough is smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Fold the Dough: Work the dough on a floured surface, folding it at least twice.
  5. Rest the Dough: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 20 hours or proof at room temperature for 3 hours.
  6. Preheat Dutch Oven: Preheat the oven with a Dutch oven inside to 230°C.
  7. Bake: Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven and bake covered for 30 minutes at 230°C. Reduce heat to 200°C, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Malt or honey is crucial for a crusty texture.
  • Keep the oven slightly open during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent a soggy interior.
  • Cool the bread on a wire rack for even cooling.
  • Using a mixer helps create a uniform texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg