Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Crusty Italian Bread is a classic favorite known for its golden, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. This straightforward recipe yields two round loaves perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite meals.

This image shows a long, braided bread loaf resting on a dark baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has multiple layers of golden brown crust with deep slashes revealing soft, airy, light cream-colored inner dough. Thin strands of melted cheese are visible on top, sprinkled with small dark poppy seeds. The crust appears shiny and slightly glossy, indicating it was brushed with egg wash before baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic—either with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes, or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Step 6: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two equal portions and shape each into a round loaf.
Step 7: Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly floured surface. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Just before baking, make several shallow slashes across the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife or razor blade.
Step 9: Transfer the loaves onto the preheated baking stone or leave them on the baking sheet. Quickly spray the oven walls with water to create steam, which helps form a crisp crust.
Step 10: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra flavorful crust, brush the loaves lightly with olive oil before baking.
Add dried herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for a herby twist.
If you don’t have a baking stone, a heavy baking sheet preheated in the oven works well to mimic the effect.
Use bread flour for best texture, but all-purpose flour can be substituted in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

A long loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust sits on a black tray. The bread has multiple diagonal slices on top, showing a soft, white, airy texture inside each slice. The crust has a shiny, slightly crispy look with a sprinkle of small black seeds and fine grated cheese scattered over the top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred stove in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast using the same quantity. Mix it directly with the flour without needing to dissolve it in water first.

Why do I need to spray water in the oven when baking?

Spraying water creates steam in the oven, which helps develop a crisp, crackly crust by delaying the hardening of the bread’s surface during the initial baking phase.