Easy Crusty Italian Bread

 There is something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread throughout the house. And when it comes to Italian cuisine, few things are as iconic and satisfying as a loaf of crusty Italian bread. This culinary delight is so simple to recreate at home.

This crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil mixed with savory Italian seasoning, serving it alongside your favorite pasta, or simply enjoying it all on its own with butter.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 Package of Active dry yeast or rapid-rise yeast
• 1-1/2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

If using the active dry yeast, combine it in a small bowl with the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. (If using the rapid-rise yeast just combine it with the flour.)

I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and sugar in the mixing bowl. Add the yeast and water mixture and mix on low speed using the dough hook. Mix until the dough forms, remove the dough to a floured surface, and knead a few times. If the dough is too sticky add a little more flour, but not too much.

If you are mixing by hand, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour the yeast mixture and olive oil in the middle. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough forms.

Lightly coat the dough with oil, place it in a large bowl, and cover. Let it rise for 1 to 2 hours.

After the dough has risen, gently press down and shape it into an oval. Or, you can divide the dough into two small loaves. 

Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased baking sheet. I baked mine in my 10-inch cast iron skillet. cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees while the dough is rising. Once the oven is preheated, place a small pan with one cup of hot water on the lower rack. The steam will help create a crispy crust.

Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make 2 shallow slashes on the surface of the dough. This helps the bread expand while baking.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

Here is my crusty Italian bread just out of the oven in my 10-inch cast iron skillet. So, roll up your sleeves, gather some ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of Italy.

KitchenAid KSM105GBCER 5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl and Flex Edge Beater - Empire RedLodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

 

Italian Fried Pepper and Egg Sandwich

 

There is nothing better than taking fresh garden peppers and frying them up with some eggs. Then, get some fresh Italian bread and make the perfect sandwich.

This was a family favorite when I was growing up. My dad would pick the fresh peppers from the garden, and my mother would fry them with eggs. 

We would get fresh Italian bread from the local bakery and make these delicious pepper and egg sandwiches.

If you don't have a garden that's okay, because this time of year most grocery stores will carry produce from local farmers. 

What kind of peppers should you use to make fried peppers and eggs? I like to use these sweet banana peppers. These peppers are also great for stuffing with bread or meat stuffing. I prefer the bread stuffing.

How to make Fried Peppers and Eggs:

Wash, slice, and seed the peppers, you can leave them in slices or cube them. In a medium fry pan add some olive and one minced clove of garlic. Add the peppers, cover, and cook over medium heat until they are tender or to your liking.

In a separate bowl beat one or two large eggs. Add the eggs to the cooked peppers and mix until the eggs are cooked. Add some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste and enjoy.

If you want to spice up your fried peppers and eggs a little try adding a couple of hot peppers.

I always like using my cast iron skillet and Lodge Cast Iron is my go-to skillet.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans