Mama D’s Italian Bread Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and let it preheat as well.

Punch down the dough and shape it into a long oval loaf. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough with diagonal slashes.

Place the baking sheet with the dough onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.