Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Introduction

Crusty Italian bread is a classic staple that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and offers a perfect balance of a golden, crunchy crust with a soft, chewy interior. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create bakery-quality bread right at home.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Step 2: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a rough dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Step 4: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
6. Step 6: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam for a crusty exterior.
8. Step 8: Just before baking, make several slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack completely before slicing to enhance flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh yeast and water around 110°F to ensure good dough rise.
• Try adding chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough for an herb-infused flavor.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste and added nutrition.
• Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic before baking for tasty garlic bread.
• Top the loaf with sesame or poppy seeds before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Increase steam in the oven by adding more water to the pan or spritzing the oven walls during the first 5 minutes of baking for a crispier crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a cloth or parchment paper at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat frozen slices in a hot oven to refresh the crust before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What can I do if my crusty Italian bread doesn’t rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and not expired. Also, keep the water temperature around 110°F; water that is too hot or too cold can prevent proper yeast activation.

Can I make crusty Italian bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before baking to allow the dough to rise again.

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews

This crusty Italian bread recipe delivers a classic, bakery-quality loaf with a wonderfully crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients including all-purpose flour, yeast, and a touch of sugar, this bread is perfect for pairing with olive oil, soups, or as a base for garlic toast. The secret to its delightful crust lies in baking with steam, creating an authentic artisanal texture right in your home oven.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

Other

• Cornmeal for dusting the baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm water (about 110°F). Sprinkle in the sugar, then add the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until a rough dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks uneven at this stage.
3. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Knead with your hands for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If sticky, sprinkle on a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf that suits your preference. Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking and place the shaped loaf on it.
6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, allowing it to become light and fluffy.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Steam: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to generate steam during baking, which helps produce the desired crusty exterior.
8. Slash and Bake: Just before baking, make several slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking and create a beautiful artisanal appearance. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bread to cool fully ensures the texture and flavor develop to perfection before slicing.

Notes

• For an extra crusty loaf, increase the steam by adding more water to the shallow pan during baking.
• Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing for optimal texture and to avoid a gummy crumb.
• Use fresh active dry yeast and maintain proper water temperature (~110°F) to ensure good dough rise.
• Do not rush the rising times; patience yields a lighter and more flavorful bread.
• Optional variations: add fresh herbs, garlic, cheese, or seed toppings to customize your bread.

Keywords: Crusty Italian bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, baking bread, yeast bread, easy bread recipe