Go Back
Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Have you ever wanted to bake a loaf of authentic Italian bread with a golden crust and a soft, airy interior right in your own kitchen? This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe delivers bakery-style results using simple pantry ingredients and traditional techniques. With its crisp exterior, chewy texture, and rich flavor, this homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, soups, pasta dinners, or simply enjoying with olive oil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Custom Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Dough
  • These simple ingredients come together to create a beautifully textured Italian loaf.
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1½ cups warm water 110°F/43°C
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Finishing
  • These optional ingredients help create an extra-crispy crust.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Water for steam

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet or baking stone
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel
  • Sharp knife or bread lame
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise properly.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 2: Make the Dough
  1. Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Continue combining the ingredients until there are no dry patches of flour remaining.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 3: Knead the Dough
  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its characteristic chewy texture and structure.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 4: First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size. This fermentation stage develops flavor and texture.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
  1. Punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Shape it into a long oval or traditional Italian loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 6: Score and Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Make several shallow diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf using a sharp knife. Place a small oven-safe pan with hot water on the lower rack to create steam, then bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
  1. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This helps the interior set properly and prevents a gummy texture.
    Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (1)

Video

Notes

  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture and better structure.
  • Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
  • Allow enough rising time for maximum flavor and an airy crumb.
  • Create steam in the oven to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
  • Score the loaf just before baking to control expansion.
  • Avoid adding too much flour while kneading, as this can make the bread dense.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture