Name: Crusty Italian Bread – Homemade Bread Recipes for Perfect Results
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp); 1 tbsp olive oil

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When I think about homemade bread recipes, I picture a warm kitchen, the smell of yeast filling the air, and a crust that crackles when you tap it. This crusty Italian bread brings all of that and more. It’s the kind of loaf you tear into with your hands while it’s still warm, because waiting for it to cool feels almost impossible. I’ve baked this bread on rainy afternoons and sunny Sundays, and every time it turns out with the same perfect golden crust and tender, airy inside. It’s simple enough for beginners, but satisfying enough for anyone who’s been baking for years. The best part is that it fits into so many occasions, from big family dinners to a quiet evening with soup. Whether you love Easy Bread Recipes, Quick Breads Recipes, Best Homemade Bread, Sweet Bread Recipes, Keto Bread Recipes, or Quick Bread Recipes, this loaf finds a place in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that feels timeless, a little rustic, and full of comfort.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crusty Italian Bread
4) How to Make Crusty Italian Bread
5) Tips for Making Crusty Italian Bread
6) Making Crusty Italian Bread Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crusty Italian Bread
8) Try these Bread recipes next!
9) Crusty Italian Bread
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe creates a crisp golden crust with a light airy crumb.
You can make it with basic pantry ingredients and no special equipment.
The flavor pairs well with soups, salads, and pasta dishes.
The dough can be made ahead for fresh bread anytime.

2) Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

When I bake this crusty Italian bread, I’m not just making food, I’m making an experience. From the moment the yeast blooms in warm water, you can already tell it’s going to be something special. The kitchen fills with a gentle aroma, hinting at what’s to come. This is one of my favorite homemade bread recipes because it doesn’t demand complicated steps, just a little patience and some love.

It’s simple, yet the result feels like it came straight from a small bakery in an old Italian town. A loaf like this works for breakfast with butter, for lunch with a fresh tomato salad, or with a warm bowl of soup at dinner. It’s versatile, so you’ll find yourself making it over and over. Bread this good deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire.

Whether you’re into easy bread recipes, quick breads recipes, or you’re chasing the best homemade bread you’ve ever tasted, this loaf can win you over. It’s a bread that brings comfort to the table and has everyone reaching for seconds.

3) Ingredients for Crusty Italian Bread

Bread Flour: This is the base of our bread, giving it structure and chew. It’s higher in protein than all-purpose flour, which helps build a strong gluten network.

Warm Water: The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast without harming it. Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it’ll take forever to rise.

Salt: A pinch of salt does more than season; it controls the fermentation so the bread develops a balanced flavor.

Sugar: Just a little bit helps feed the yeast and gives the crust a lovely golden hue.

Active Dry Yeast: The engine that makes our dough rise. Proofing it in water lets you know it’s alive and ready to work.

Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps keep the crust tender where it meets the crumb.

4) How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Wait until it turns foamy and smells slightly sweet.

Step 2: Add the olive oil, salt, and half the flour. Stir until the mixture looks shaggy.

Step 3: Gradually add the rest of the flour, mixing until the dough forms.

Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes. You’re looking for smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, usually an hour.

Step 6: Punch it down, shape it into a loaf, and set it on a greased baking sheet. Let it rise again until puffy.

Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

5) Tips for Making Crusty Italian Bread

Patience pays off. Don’t rush the rising time; let the yeast do its job for the best flavor and texture. The wait is worth it.

Steam in the oven gives you a better crust. A simple pan of water on the bottom rack during baking works wonders.

Use fresh yeast. If your yeast doesn’t foam during proofing, it’s time for a new packet. Old yeast won’t give you the rise you want.

6) Making Crusty Italian Bread Ahead of Time

You can mix the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This slower rise gives the bread a deeper flavor. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Another option is to bake the bread fully, let it cool, then wrap and freeze it. Warm it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and it’ll taste freshly baked.

Having fresh bread on demand makes any meal feel special, and this method works perfectly for busy weeks.

7) Storing Leftover Crusty Italian Bread

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp. Plastic bags will soften the crust but keep the crumb moist longer.

For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. You can toast slices straight from the freezer without thawing.

Nothing beats warm bread, so always reheat before serving if it’s been stored for more than a few hours.

8) Try these Bread recipes next!

9) Crusty Italian Bread