Crusty Italian bread with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy interior is perfect for dipping in olive oil, accompanying hearty soups, or enjoying with butter. This straightforward recipe yields a reliably delicious loaf—ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. The aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this recipe delivers that comforting experience.
This bread works well for dinner parties, casual meals, or as a special weekend baking project. The contrast between a crunchy crust and a tender, chewy crumb makes every bite satisfying. The method is uncomplicated, and the results are reliably impressive.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or lame for scoring the dough
- Cooling rack
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cornmeal for dusting
Directions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release air, then shape into a round or oval loaf. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise 30–45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.
- Score and bake: Just before baking, make shallow slashes across the top with a sharp knife or lame to allow controlled expansion. Transfer the loaf with the parchment onto the preheated surface. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and cool on a rack before slicing to preserve the crumb structure.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Rise Time:
- 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 3 hours 20 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Crusty Italian bread is a versatile, homemade favorite that enhances any meal. With its golden crust and soft interior, it’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or enjoying on its own. Try this recipe to bring the warmth and satisfaction of fresh-baked bread into your home.