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Easy No-Knead Crusty Italian Bread for Dipping

A close-up of a freshly baked italian bread loaf, sliced to show its airy, open crumb structure and golden crust.
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Bake a bakery-quality, crusty Italian bread loaf at home with this simple, no-knead recipe. This bread features a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior, making it perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups Cool Water
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Pour in the cool water and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined into a shaggy dough. Do not overmix.
  3. Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This is the long fermentation period.
  4. After the long rest, gently scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Fold the dough over itself a few times to form a rough ball.
  5. Place the dough ball onto a piece of parchment paper, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  6. While the dough rests, place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) into your oven and preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
  7. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough and gently place it inside the hot pot.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
  10. Carefully remove the loaf from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, you can place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven during preheating and pour 1 cup of hot water into it right before placing the bread inside to create steam.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
  • If you want an Italian Herb Cheese Bread variation, gently fold 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs into the dough just before the final 30-minute rest.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/easy-no-knead-crusty-italian-bread-recipe/