Created on November 11th, 2025 at 08:46 am
A rustic loaf with a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior
Making crusty Italian bread at home brings a comforting warmth to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills your space, inviting everyone to gather around. This bread features a thick, golden crust that crackles delightfully when you slice into it, revealing a soft, airy interior. It’s the perfect canvas for sandwiches or simply a delicious companion to a bowl of soup. This recipe celebrates simplicity, allowing the natural flavors to shine through every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian bread is easy to make, yet it showcases the beauty of traditional baking. The dough requires minimal ingredients, allowing the complex flavors to develop as it ferments. The result is a loaf with a distinctly chewy texture and a rich, nutty aroma. The crust is a beautiful deep brown, offering a satisfying crunch with each slice. This bread is incredibly versatile, excellent with olive oil or balsamic vinegar, or for constructing satisfying sandwiches. Additionally, it tastes even better the next day, when the crust has a chance to soften slightly while the interior remains flavorful and fresh.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients List
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- Optional: cornmeal (for dusting)
Kitchen Tools
This recipe requires only a few essential tools to keep the process straightforward and enjoyable. You do not need special equipment, just the basics that you likely already have on hand.
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough scraper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Heavy baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to work.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, stirring until incorporated. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients start to come together into a shaggy dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test the dough by pressing it lightly; it should spring back.
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. The aroma of the expanding dough will begin to fill your kitchen.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back onto the floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. If desired, sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place the shaped loaf on the prepared sheet and cover it with a towel. Let it rise again for about 30-60 minutes, until slightly puffy. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) while the dough is rising.
Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make several slashes on the top of the loaf. This helps control the steam during baking, creating that characteristic crust. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and a hollow sound is heard when tapping the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. As it cools, the crust will firm up, giving it that perfect, satisfying texture.
Pro Tips
- For an even more crusty loaf, place a pan of hot water at the bottom of the oven during baking. This creates steam, enhancing the crust’s texture.
- Use a kitchen scale to measure flour for accuracy, ensuring consistent results.
- Experiment with adding herbs or garlic to the dough for different flavors.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, from simple butter to rich spreads.
- Enjoy freshly baked bread without rush; let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Bread Made Right at Home
This crusty Italian bread is a reminder of the comfort found in homemade simplicity. It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that beckons loved ones. Each slice reveals a perfect balance of crust and crumb, ideal for a variety of meals. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed the next day, this loaf proves that good, homemade bread brings joy to the simplest of moments.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Crusty Italian Bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornmeal (for dusting) Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, stirring until incorporated. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients start to come together into a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back onto the floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf on a prepared baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise again for about 30-60 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) while the dough is rising.
- Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make several slashes on the top of the loaf. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Notes
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