Description
A classic, simple homemade loaf with a crackly, golden crust and a soft, chewy interior—perfect for dipping in olive oil, pairing with pasta, or enjoying fresh with butter.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water (~110 °F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
4 cups bread flour
1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
Cornmeal, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Combine warm water (~110 °F) with yeast in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let cold ferment for 12–24 hours.
- Remove dough and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Divide into two equal portions and shape into baguette-style loaves.
- Place loaves on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet, cover, and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 450 °F with a cast-iron skillet on the bottom rack.
- Slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife. Place loaves in the oven and immediately pour hot water into the skillet to create steam.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool loaves on a wire rack to maintain the crisp crust.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough.
- Fold in chopped olives before shaping for an olive loaf variation.
- Replace half the bread flour with semolina for a different texture and flavor.
- Use a metal baking pan instead of a cast-iron skillet for steam if needed.
- To re-crisp crust, mist with water and bake at 350 °F for ~5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
