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

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

A warm, golden loaf of homemade crusty Italian bread with a crackly crust and soft, chewy center—perfect for soups, dipping, or toasting.

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8–10 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on a parchment-lined or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
  6. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty baking dish on the lower rack for steam.
  8. Make 2–3 slashes on top of the loaf. Add a cup of hot water to the dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crusty.
  9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For a crispier crust, leave the bread in the oven with the door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating; freeze instead if storing longer.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 1.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Italian bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, easy bread, yeast bread