Description
This Crusty Italian Bread recipe is a rustic homemade loaf with a crisp crust and airy center. Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or serving with soups and pastas. Learn how to make authentic Italian bread with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or round.
6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes on a baking sheet.
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Make shallow slashes on top of the dough.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Place a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam for a crusty finish.
10. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
This bread tastes best fresh the day it’s made.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
Freeze slices for later and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg