{"id":783,"date":"2025-09-13T13:59:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T13:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/?p=783"},"modified":"2025-11-27T22:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T22:05:15","slug":"crispy-italian-bread","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/crispy-italian-bread\/","title":{"rendered":"Crispy Italian Bread"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Recipe Content Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/recipe_illustration_02-1.png&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|90px|0px||&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Recipe Introduction Row&#8221; module_class=&#8221;no-print&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|-8px|||false|false&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;left&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The experience of making pizza dough lead me to try making Italian bread and focaccia bread using<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NWl_Nq7OTUI&amp;t=1151s\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vito Lacopelli\u2019s All-In-One Pizza, Italian Bread and Focaccia Bread Recipe<\/a>. Both the Italian bread and the focaccia bread came out good, which started me thinking about just trying to make a large loaf of crispy Italian bread (Something very hard to find in the Houston area due to the humidity).<\/p>\n<p>After searching for a bit I came across this recipe. I made this crispy Italian bread and was<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>VERY<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>happy with the results.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You can use this little planner to help you make the bread for a specific time.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"430\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRqeTkuAspKbCoanmq7eVkO3u5H_BeFia8SAXjJQZ7sCDKHm8a7JzuNzIh6kF6Ih3nM-e20jURZN3FW\/pubhtml?widget=true&amp;headers=false\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The link to the original recipe can be found here: \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/valentinascorner.com\/crispy-italian-bread-recipe\/\">Crispy Italian Bread Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>***\u00a0 2025 Update ***<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve made this recipe many times over the last several years and learned a lot along the way.\u00a0 Here are some important tips:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure the kneading in Step 4 is done long enough.\u00a0 You really have to work the dough, and there is no such thing as overkneading.\u00a0 If you don&#8217;t work the dough enough, it won&#8217;t develop the necessary structure\/strength.\u00a0 You will end up with a loaf that is flat instead of more round or like a football.\u00a0 You can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kDlGxcFppXk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">window pane test<\/a> to make sure that the dough has built a good gluten mesh.\u00a0 You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you like.\u00a0 I recommend 12 to 15 minutes on speed 1.\u00a0 I also use a wooden spoon to reposition the dough from time to time to make sure that the stand mixer is working all of the dough instead of just one part of it.<\/li>\n<li>Watch your proving times carefully!\u00a0 The dough will take less time to proof in the warm summer months.\u00a0 Check it from time to time with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U9aQV0IZRwU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">poke test<\/a> to see if it is done.\u00a0 Overproofing the dough will cause it to flatten and lose its structure.<\/li>\n<li>You can make sandwich rolls out of the dough instead of a large loaf.\u00a0 In the pictures below, you can see where I made six sandwich rolls.\u00a0 In Step 6, you split the dough into six equal-weight sections and form each into a tight ball.\u00a0 Put the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and then follow along with Step 7 from there.\u00a0 My dough balls were about 211 grams each, and I baked them for 25 minutes.\u00a0 I put a slash on each dough ball before they went into the oven.\u00a0 Similarly, I made 12 dinner rolls from this recipe.\u00a0 Each was about 110 grams and they cooked for about 18 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>I have also made two long loaves from this dough recipe.\u00a0 These were great for making hero sandwiches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Ingredients Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code module_class=&#8221;no-print&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; global_module=&#8221;417&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<button type=\"button\" class=\"et_pb_button no-print\" onclick=\"window.print()\">Print Recipe<\/button<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;left&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; global_module=&#8221;418&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Ingredients<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; ul_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;2em&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;left&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>5 cups<\/strong> Flour (Bread Flour, sifted)<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 tsp<\/strong> Sugar<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 and 1\/4 tsp<\/strong> Active Dry Yeast <\/li>\n<li><strong>2 cups<\/strong> Water (about 105 degrees)<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 tbsp<\/strong> Olive Oil<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 tsp<\/strong> Salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Instructions Header Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;36px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fade&#8221; global_module=&#8221;419&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Step by Step Instructions<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Step by Step Instructions Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px||true|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 1:\u00a0<\/h5>\n<p><span>Place 2 cups of sifted flour, sugar and yeast into your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) and mix. Add 2 cups of very warm water, and on low speed mix for about 1 minute.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 2:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let stand 1 hour or until bubbly. The picture shows what it should look like after an hour.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251127_122225-cropped-scaled.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20251127_122225-cropped.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 3:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Gently stir in the oil and salt. Stir in 3 cups of sifted flour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 4:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 12-15 minutes. Knead by pushing the dough down and away from you with your right palm. Fold the dough back over, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat. I recommend using a <a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/8OJRt3q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bench scraper<\/a> instead of using your palm because the dough will be sticky.\u00a0 As you work the dough, it will become less sticky and easier to handle.\u00a0 You may need to add a little more flour if you find the dough is just too sticky to work with.\u00a0 Alternatively, you can cover the dough with a bowl for 30 minutes to allow it to rest, and then try again. Once kneaded, the dough should be smooth and springy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 5:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Shape the dough into a ball by gently stretching the dough around and under from the sides. Do this with both hands on opposite sides of the dough, rotate and repeat to form a nice tight ball with a smooth top. Transfer the dough ball to a greased bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size). The dough is ready if an indentation remains when touched. The picture shows what should look like after this first proving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20230219_150109-cropped.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20230219_150109-cropped.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 6:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with butter. Put a little olive oil on your hands so that the dough doesn&#8217;t stick to your hands. Place your palm over the top of the dough and turn the dough out onto your palm. Flip the dough down onto your work surface so that the top of the dough is once again on top. Shape the dough into an even and round loaf by again stretching the sides of dough downwards and under to make almost a smooth top (about 9 to 10 inches in diameter). Move the dough to the baking sheet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20230328_151943.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20230328_151943.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 7:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Run your hands under water and pat the top of the dough with water. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise 1 more hour or until almost double in size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20230328_162541.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20230328_162541.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 8:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Add hot water to an 8&#215;8 or 9&#215;9 pan until about 1\/2\u201d from the top, and place on the bottom of the oven, not directly under the loaf. Heat the oven to 425\u00b0F. Make sure the water is boiling before you put the dough in the oven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 9:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Carefully, with a sharp knife, make 4 slashes on top of the loaf. The cuts should be no more then 1\/4&#8243; deep. If you want to get creative you can try other patterns for different looks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20230328_162747.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20230328_162747.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Cormorant Garamond|500|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#1e1e1e&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_5_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;36px||36px|&#8221; animation_style=&#8221;fold&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; animation_intensity_fold=&#8221;5%&#8221; animation_starting_opacity=&#8221;100%&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.1)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Step 10:<\/h5>\n<p><span>Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until the loaf is a deep golden brown with crispy crust, and sounds hollow when tapped. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting. NOTE: *** We baked ours for 40 minutes but put a sheet of aluminum foil over the loaf at about the 30 minute mark because the top looked like it was going to burn before the loaf fully cooked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250501_165536-cropped.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20250501_165536-cropped.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Additional Recipe Images Row&#8221; module_class=&#8221;no-print&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; 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_builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250121_165630-cropped.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20250121_165630-cropped.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Additional Recipe Images Row&#8221; module_class=&#8221;no-print&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250121_165630-cropped2-scaled.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20250121_165630-cropped2.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251110_171154-scaled.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20251110_171154.webp&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251127_152353-cropped-scaled.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;20251127_152353-cropped&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;476&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_comments _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_comments][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The experience of making pizza dough lead me to try making Italian bread and focaccia bread using\u00a0Vito Lacopelli\u2019s All-In-One Pizza, Italian Bread and Focaccia Bread Recipe. Both the Italian bread and the focaccia bread came out good, which started me thinking about just trying to make a large loaf of crispy Italian bread (Something very [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\r\n\r\nThe experience of making pizza dough lead me to try making Italian bread and focaccia bread using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NWl_Nq7OTUI&t=1151s\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vito Lacopelli's All-In-One Pizza, Italian Bread and Focaccia Bread Recipe<\/a>.   Both the Italian bread and the focaccia bread came out good, which started me thinking about just trying to make a large loaf of crispy Italian bread (Something very hard to find in the Houston area due to the humidity).  \n\nAfter searching for a bit I came across this recipe.  I made this crispy Italian bread and was <strong>VERY <\/strong>happy with the results.  I'm sure I will be making this on a regular basis for the bread lovers in our family.\n\nAlso, you can use this little planner to help you make the bread for a specific time.\n<iframe width=\"430\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRqeTkuAspKbCoanmq7eVkO3u5H_BeFia8SAXjJQZ7sCDKHm8a7JzuNzIh6kF6Ih3nM-e20jURZN3FW\/pubhtml?widget=true&amp;headers=false\"><\/iframe>\n\nThe link to the original recipe can be found here:\nhttps:\/\/valentinascorner.com\/crispy-italian-bread-recipe\/\r\n\r\nBreads\r\n\r\nActive Dry Yeast|Flour|Olive Oil|Salt|Sugar|Water\r\n\r\nItalian\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n5 cups : all-purpose flour, measured and sifted\r\n\r\n1 tsp :\u00a0\r\n\r\n2 and 1\/4 tsp :\u00a0one packet\r\n\r\n2 cups :\u00a0warm\r\n\r\n2 tbsp :\u00a0\r\n\r\n2 tsp :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n :\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPlace 2 cups of sifted flour, sugar and yeast into your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) and mix.  Add 2 cups of very warm water, and on low speed mix for about 1 minute.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let stand 1 hour or until bubbly.  The picture shows what it should look like after an hour.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGently stir in the oil and salt.   Stir in 3 cups of sifted flour.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTurn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.   Knead by pushing the dough down and away from you with your right palm.  Fold the dough back over, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat.    You will need to add more flour until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.  Once kneaded, the dough should be smooth and springy.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShape the dough into a ball by gently stretching the dough around and under from the sides.   Do this with both hands on opposite sides of the dough, rotate and repeat to form a nice tight ball with a smooth top.  Transfer the dough ball to a greased bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel.  Let the dough rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).   The dough is ready if an indentation remains when touched.  The picture shows what should look like after this first proving.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLine a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with butter.  Put a little olive oil on your hands so that the dough doesn't stick to your hands.  Place your palm over the top of the dough and turn the dough out onto your palm.  Flip the dough down onto your work surface so that the top of the dough is once again on top.    Shape the dough into an even and round loaf by again stretching the sides of dough downwards and under to make almost a smooth top (about 9 to 10 inches in diameter).    Move the dough to the baking sheet.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRun your hands under water and pat the top of the dough with water.  Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise 1 more hour or until almost double in size.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAdd hot water to an 8x8 or 9x9 pan until about 1\/2\u201d from the top, and place on the bottom of the oven, not directly under the loaf.   Heat the oven to 425\u00b0F.   Make sure the water is boiling before you put the dough in the oven.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCarefully, with a sharp knife, make 4 slashes on top of the loaf.  The cuts should be no more then 1\/4\" deep.  If you want to get creative you can try other patterns for different looks.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBake 35 to 45 minutes or until the loaf is a deep golden brown with crispy crust, and sounds hollow when tapped. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.   NOTE: ***  We baked ours for 40 minutes but put a sheet of aluminum foil over the loaf at about the 30 minute mark because the top looked like it was going to burn before the loaf fully cooked.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLou\r\n\r\n&nbsp;","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"cuisine":[30],"class_list":["post-783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bread","cuisine-italian"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20230208_172733-cropped.webp?fit=2140%2C1648&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=783"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2909,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783\/revisions\/2909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=783"},{"taxonomy":"cuisine","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depadova.net\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cuisine?post=783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}