Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
This easy Crusty Italian Bread recipe creates a beautiful golden crust and soft, airy interior. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can make bakery-quality Italian bread at home every time.
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 150kcal
Cost: 3
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking stone or baking sheet
- parchment paper
- kitchen towel
- wire rack
- oven
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper and cover to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Score the top with a sharp knife and transfer (with parchment) onto the hot baking stone.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crusty. Bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking. Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano to the dough before kneading for extra flavor. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for best texture.