Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe | The Ultimate Homemade Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F); Cornmeal for dusting; Fresh rosemary, thyme, or minced garlic for flavor twists; Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for cheesy variations

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Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen. This crusty Italian bread features a golden crackly crust and a soft, fluffy center that makes every meal feel special. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for pairing with soups, pastas, or just a swipe of butter.

Two golden brown rustic loaves of bread rest on a dark wooden board, each loaf showing three deep diagonal cuts on top with white flour dusted inside these slashes. The crust is crispy with scattered green herbs sprinkled over the surface, giving a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the bread. The background is softly blurred with warm, cozy kitchen items. The scene sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch down the dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Step 7: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm with olive oil, butter, or your favorite Italian dishes.

Tips & Variations

Weigh your flour for accuracy and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for the best texture.
Don’t skip the steam in the oven; it’s key to achieving a crisp, golden crust.
Brush the crust with melted butter after baking for a softer finish.
Add minced garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste.
Fold in Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy variation.

Storage

Store your crusty Italian bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its texture. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat slices in the oven to bring back the crunchy crust.

How to Serve

Two golden brown loaves of bread rest on a rustic wooden board, each scoring three deep diagonal cuts on top showing the soft, lighter inside. The crust is crisp with a slightly rough texture and is sprinkled with green herbs and a dusting of white flour. The background is softly blurred with warm tones, creating a cozy, inviting feeling. The surface beneath the board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make crusty Italian bread without a baking stone?

Yes, a baking sheet works perfectly fine. Dusting the pan with cornmeal helps prevent sticking and adds a nice texture to the crust.

How do I store homemade Italian bread so it stays fresh?

Keep the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. To store longer, wrap it tightly and freeze. This keeps the bread fresh and tasty.