If you’ve ever craved that perfect bakery-style loaf with a crunchy crust and soft, airy inside, this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet transformative recipe that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread, making every bite a warm, comforting experience. From the mix of basic pantry ingredients to the final golden crust, this bread delivers an authentic Italian touch right from your oven to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in creating a perfect texture and flavor balance. With just flour, yeast, water, and a few extras, you’ll be amazed at the transformation from humble components into an unforgettable loaf.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100°F-110°F): Warm water activates the yeast gently, ensuring a great rise without killing it.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Instant yeast speeds up the rising process while giving you reliable results every time.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: A pinch of sugar feeds the yeast, kickstarting the fermentation for that perfect fluffiness.
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Salt enhances the flavor and helps control yeast activity for an even crumb.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional): Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme imparts a lovely fragrant note that complements the crusty exterior.
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour (for dusting): Dusting prevents sticking and adds a subtle rustic touch to your loaf.
How to Make Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing your flour, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Sprinkle the instant yeast evenly over the top. This even distribution helps with a consistent rise.
Step 2: Add Warm Water and Form Dough
Pour in the warm water slowly while stirring. Don’t fret if the dough feels sticky — that’s exactly what you want. This tackiness will help create the signature chewy texture of Italian bread.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm spot. After about two hours, it should double in size, becoming airy and light. This rising stage is crucial for that open crumb structure you love.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Flour your workspace lightly and gently turn the dough onto it. Shape it carefully into a tight ball, taking care not to deflate all of that precious air inside.
Step 5: Second Rise and Oven Preheat
Place your dough with the seam down into a proofing basket or on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it to prevent drying and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat the oven to 450°F. This step builds volume and readiness for baking.
Step 6: Score and Bake
Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf to help the bread expand beautifully in the oven. Transfer the dough to a preheated Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid to let the crust deepen to a gorgeous golden brown, baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Patience pays off. Cooling the bread on a wire rack for at least an hour allows the crust to set perfectly and the crumb to finish its moisture redistribution, ensuring every slice is just right.
How to Serve Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a brushing of garlic butter on toasted slices transforms this bread into an irresistible treat. Fresh herbs can also be added post-baking for an extra touch of aroma.
Side Dishes
This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, tangy tomato sauces, or a rich cheese and charcuterie board. Its robust texture holds up perfectly for dipping and spreading.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing it thick and toasting for bruschettas topped with vibrant tomatoes and basil, or hollow it out for a bread bowl full of savory stew. You can even cube it, toast lightly, and toss with herbs and olive oil for a crunchy salad topper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover loaf in a clean kitchen towel and keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for one to two days this way, preserving that signature crust and soft inside.
Freezing
If you want to make your Crusty Italian Bread Recipe last longer, slice it and freeze in airtight plastic bags. This keeps your bread fresh for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture on thaw.
Reheating
To revive frozen or day-old bread, sprinkle it lightly with water and bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the crust and warms the crumb, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar first and let it foam before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This step wakes up the yeast and helps your bread rise perfectly.
Why is the dough sticky? Should I add more flour?
Sticky dough is meant to be this way for Italian bread, as it produces a light, open crumb and chewy texture. Add extra flour only if it’s unbearably sticky to handle, but a little tackiness is good.
Can I bake this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can bake it on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet. To keep moisture in and get a crisp crust, place a pan of water in the oven during the first half of baking to create steam.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Stored at room temperature wrapped in a towel, this bread stays fresh for about two days. Beyond that, it’s best toasted or turned into croutons to enjoy every crumb.
What herbs work best in this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe?
Classic choices like rosemary, thyme, or oregano add wonderful fragrance and flavor. Fresh herbs are best, but dry herbs can be used sparingly if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking your own Crusty Italian Bread Recipe at home. It’s a simple process with tremendously rewarding results that fill your space with warmth and make your meals feel extra comforting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to loaf for impressing family, friends, or simply treating yourself to a little homemade magic.
Print
Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 1.5 pounds)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crusty Italian Bread recipe produces a deliciously golden and crispy loaf with a soft, airy interior. Using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water, and baked in a Dutch oven, this homemade bread yields bakery-quality results with a flavorful crust. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying with your favorite meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100°F-110°F)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar until well blended. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Add Water and Mix Dough: Pour the warm water (100°F-110°F) into the dry ingredients. Stir and mix until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size, which is essential for developing flavor and texture.
- Shape Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn the risen dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a round ball, being careful not to deflate it completely.
- Second Rise: Place the dough seam-side down onto a proofing basket or parchment paper. Cover it and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a Dutch oven for baking.
- Score Dough: Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts on the top of the dough to allow it to expand evenly during baking, giving it a professional appearance.
- Bake Bread: Carefully transfer the dough with parchment to the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely for at least one hour before slicing, which helps set the crumb structure and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Using warm water (around 100°F-110°F) is critical to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Optional fresh herbs can be added to the dough for extra aroma and flavor.
- Dust your parchment or proofing basket with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
- Do not skip the cooling step; slicing too soon can result in a gummy texture.
- A Dutch oven creates steam inside which contributes to the crust’s crispiness.
