- 1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
Required Kitchen Tools
When making crusty Italian bread at home, having the right tools can make the baking process so much smoother and enjoyable. Here’s what I personally use every time:
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – Helps knead the dough until it’s perfectly elastic.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Essential for mixing and proofing the dough.
- Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Sharp Knife or Bread Lame – For scoring the top of the loaves before baking.
- Pastry Brush – To apply the egg wash for that golden-brown finish.
- Shallow Oven-Safe Dish – To hold water in the oven for steam, which creates that perfect crispy crust.
