Easy, homemade classic Italian bread with a chewy crust and soft interior. Plus, step by step photos and instructions on how to make this loaf from scratch!
Prep time: Cook time: Total time:
Yield: 5 Servings
Ingredients: 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) Red Star active dry yeast 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F) 2½ cups bread or all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, sugar and warm water. Let stand 5 minutes until yeast is foamy.
Add 2 cups flour, olive oil and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or with a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand 10 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms; OR, increase dough hook speed to medium and knead dough in stand mixer 5 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms.
Shape dough into a ball; place in an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
