Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487253H31M35S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F); Cornmeal for dusting

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could bake an artisan bakery classic at home, this Crusty Italian Bread is about to become your new kitchen favorite. With its crispy, golden crust and tender, fluffy inside, this bread makes every meal a little more special. Whether you’re dunking it into a steaming bowl of soup or simply slathering it with good butter, every bite captures that irresistible, old-world flavor. Trust me: once you make your own Crusty Italian Bread, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples, but every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature flavor and texture. Choosing quality and following a few key tips can make all the difference in your final loaf!

All-purpose flour: This is your bread’s backbone, giving it both structure and softness for that perfect crumb.
Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt boosts flavor and helps regulate yeast activity for even rising.
Sugar: A small amount wakes up the yeast and adds a touch of subtle sweetness.
Active dry yeast: This is what makes your bread rise high and proud—a trusty kitchen staple!
Warm water (about 110°F): Get the temperature just right; if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and your bread will take forever to rise.
Cornmeal for dusting: Cornmeal keeps the loaf from sticking and lends a rustic, bakery-style texture to the bottom crust.

How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm water, sugar, and your yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a frothy, bubbly top—this is your clue that the yeast is alive and ready to create that airy loaf you’re craving.

Step 2: Mix and Form the Dough

Next, add your flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything comes together in a shaggy dough. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth yet; just make sure all the flour is incorporated and the dough is coming together in the bowl.

Step 3: Knead for Structure

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and start kneading. Give it a solid 8 to 10 minutes—your arms will get a workout, but it’s worth it! You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic, and springs back when you press it gently.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl (olive oil works nicely for extra flavor), cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours until it’s doubled in size. This is when the flavor really starts to develop.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once your dough has had a good rise, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a round boule or a long oval—whatever suits your mood! Place it onto a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet and cover with a towel for a second rise, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Crank up your oven to 450°F and set a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack. This extra steam is the baker’s secret for a shatteringly crisp crust! Right before baking, use a sharp knife to slash a few lines on top of your loaf. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool completely on a rack—it’s hard to wait, but this helps set that iconic crust.

How to Serve Crusty Italian Bread

Garnishes

For a truly memorable experience, serve your Crusty Italian Bread with a small dish of quality olive oil sprinkled with fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or a few flakes of sea salt. Friends and family will love tearing off hunks and dipping them while the bread is still slightly warm.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural companion to hearty pasta dishes, classic minestrone, or leafy green salads topped with a zippy vinaigrette. The robust crust makes it perfect for sopping up rich tomato sauces or balancing out a platter of Mediterranean cheeses and cured meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices of Crusty Italian Bread grilled with just a touch of garlic and olive oil, or build an epic bruschetta bar for a cozy gathering. Another fun idea: use thick slices as the base for a rustic sandwich loaded with roasted vegetables, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade bread is best the day it’s baked, but you can keep any leftover Crusty Italian Bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid plastic bags, which can make that delicious crust go soft.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy your bread later, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer. It will keep beautifully for up to three months without losing its flavor or texture.

Reheating

To revive your Crusty Italian Bread, simply preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bread for about 10-12 minutes. It’ll come out nearly as crisp and inviting as the day you baked it, ready to impress anew!

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Bread flour will give your Crusty Italian Bread a slightly chewier texture thanks to its higher protein content. It’s a great swap if you want an even more rustic bite.

What if I don’t have cornmeal for dusting?

No worries! You can dust your baking sheet with a little extra flour or even semolina. The goal is just to prevent sticking and get that authentic bakery feel on the bottom of your bread.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be deeply golden and will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’d like, you can use an instant-read thermometer; the inside should register at least 200°F for that perfect crumb.

Why do I need to add a pan of water to the oven?

Adding a pan of water creates steam, which helps develop the signature crispy crust that makes Crusty Italian Bread so irresistible. It also gives your loaf that alluring glossy finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking. This slow rise boosts both flavor and convenience.

Final Thoughts

There’s a simple joy in baking Crusty Italian Bread at home, from the savory aroma that fills your kitchen to the crunchy first bite. Give this recipe a try and you might just create a new family tradition—one beautiful, golden loaf at a time!

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Crusty Italian Bread at home with this easy recipe. This bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying with your favorite meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

Additional:

Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Shape and Rise Again: Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal, cover, and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat and Slash: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a pan of water in the oven for steam. Slash the loaf with a knife before baking.
Bake: Bake bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Enjoy: Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can customize this bread by adding herbs, olives, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
For a crispier crust, you can brush the loaf with water before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian