Few things are as comforting as the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, chewy center, this Crusty Italian Bread is everything you want in a homemade loaf. The best part? It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and is easier to bake than you might think.
This recipe yields two beautiful artisan-style loaves that are perfect for almost any occasion. Use them to make sandwiches, serve alongside hearty soups, or pair with pasta for an authentic Italian touch. It’s the kind of bread that makes any meal feel extra special.
If you’ve never baked bread before, don’t worry—this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with results that rival bakery-quality loaves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Artisan Quality at Home – Golden crust with a soft, airy interior.
- Simple Ingredients – No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients required.
- Versatile – Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving with Italian dishes.
- Beginner-Friendly – Easy steps that even first-time bread bakers can follow.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast (one packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cups flour
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let sit until frothy and bubbly, about 5–10 minutes.
Mix the Dough
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Knead for several minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30–45 minutes.
Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide into two equal pieces. Shape each into a loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water, then brush over the loaves. With a sharp knife, make a long slash down the center of each loaf.
Create Steam
Place a shallow pan of hot water on the oven rack beneath the bread. This steam helps form that signature crisp crust.
Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Finish with Butter
Remove from oven, cool on wire racks, and brush with butter for a soft shine and extra flavor.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store loaves in a bread bag or wrapped in a towel for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to refresh.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore the crust.
Tips for Success
- Be sure your water is warm (around 110°F), not hot, so it activates yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the steam pan—it’s the secret to a bakery-style crust.
- Use bread flour if you have it for extra chewiness.
- Brushing with butter after baking gives a softer, flavorful finish.
Variations
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or rosemary to the dough.
- Garlic Bread Loaf: Brush with garlic butter right out of the oven.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Whole Wheat: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
FAQ About Crusty Italian Bread
1. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead the dough by hand for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Can I make just one loaf?
Absolutely. Simply cut the recipe in half.
3. Why isn’t my bread rising?
Your yeast may be expired, or the water was too hot/cold. Always check yeast freshness before starting.
4. Can I add toppings?
Yes! Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or herbs sprinkled on top after the egg wash add great flavor.
5. How do I make the crust extra crunchy?
Leave the bread in the oven for an additional 5 minutes with the oven turned off and the door cracked open.
Wrapping It Up
There’s nothing like the taste and smell of Crusty Italian Bread made fresh at home. With its chewy interior and crisp, golden crust, this recipe is perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
Baking bread may seem intimidating, but once you try this easy recipe, you’ll see how rewarding it is. It’s rustic, hearty, and the perfect homemade touch for any meal.
The Goods
Crusty Italian Bread
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Recipes
- 1 ⅓ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast one packet
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cups flour
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let sit until frothy and bubbly, about 5–10 minutes.
Mix the Dough
- Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Knead for several minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30–45 minutes.
Shape the Loaves
- Punch down the dough and divide into two equal pieces. Shape each into a loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water, then brush over the loaves. With a sharp knife, make a long slash down the center of each loaf.
Create Steam
- Place a shallow pan of hot water on the oven rack beneath the bread. This steam helps form that signature crisp crust.
Bake
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Finish with Butter
- Remove from oven, cool on wire racks, and brush with butter for a soft shine and extra flavor.
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