Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups (450g) 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/43°C); 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing); Optional: cornmeal or flour for dusting the baking surface

Posted on May 19, 2025

Homemade crusty Italian bread on parchment paper, golden and freshly baked

Breakfast

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about pulling a warm, golden loaf of crusty Italian bread out of the oven. The crackle of the crust, the soft and chewy center—it’s the kind of bread that turns a simple meal into something special. Whether you’re pairing it with a bowl of soup, making garlic bread, or just enjoying it with a drizzle of olive oil, this easy, homemade recipe delivers bakery-quality results without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe is beginner-friendly, yet yields a loaf that looks and tastes like it came straight from an artisan bakery. No special equipment required—just a few pantry staples and a little patience. You’ll love the crispy, golden crust and light, airy crumb inside. It’s perfect for dipping, toasting, or just tearing apart while it’s still warm. Plus, the aroma while it bakes? Absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper.

Ingredients

This crusty Italian bread comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen!

Here’s what you’ll need:

3 ¾ cups (450g) 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/43°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Optional: cornmeal or flour for dusting the baking surface

Instructions

Making crusty Italian bread at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a golden, crusty loaf with a soft, fluffy center.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough:
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaf:
Punch down the dough, then shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
Second rise:
Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty baking dish on the lower rack for steam.
Score and bake:
Using a sharp knife, make 2–3 slashes on top of the loaf. Place the bread in the oven and quickly add a cup of hot water to the baking dish (for steam and a crisp crust). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crusty.
Cool and enjoy:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. If you can resist!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 large loaf of crusty Italian bread—perfect for sharing with family or friends, or enjoying over a few days.

Here’s the breakdown:

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 3 hours (most of it hands-off!)

Tips and Variations

Want to make this bread even better or give it a personal twist? Here are a few easy ideas:

Tips:

For a crispier crust, leave the bread in the oven with the door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes.
Don’t skip the steam—it’s what gives the bread that beautiful, crackly crust!
Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate flour measurement (450g).

Variations:

Herb lover? Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to the dough.
Garlic twist: Mix in roasted garlic cloves before shaping the loaf for a savory surprise.
Cheesy option: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

Storage

Fresh-baked bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but don’t worry—this loaf stores well too!

Here’s how to store your crusty Italian bread:

At room temperature: Wrap the cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel or paper bag and store in a bread box or airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2 days.
For longer storage: Slice the loaf and freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag. Just pop one in the toaster or oven whenever you need it!
Avoid the fridge: Refrigerating bread actually speeds up staling, so keep it at room temp or freeze it instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight during the first rise. Bring it to room temp before shaping and baking.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
Check your yeast—it may be expired. Also, make sure your water wasn’t too hot, which can kill yeast.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can swap up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Just know the bread may be denser and need more water.

What can I use instead of a baking stone?
A regular baking sheet works fine! Just make sure it’s preheated if you want extra crustiness.

How do I get a really crusty crust?
Steam is key! Add water to a hot pan in the oven, and don’t open the oven door for at least the first 20 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just make sure to shape and bake them with enough space in between.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade crusty Italian bread filling your kitchen. With its crispy crust and soft, chewy center, this easy-to-follow recipe brings the warmth of an Italian bakery straight to your home. Whether you’re dunking it in soup, building the perfect sandwich, or just enjoying a fresh slice with butter, this loaf is a delicious way to elevate any meal.