There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly baked crusty Italian bread. Its golden, crisp crust and soft, chewy interior make it the perfect companion to any meal, from hearty soups to pasta dishes or even as a standalone snack with butter or olive oil. Making this bread at home is not only rewarding but also surprisingly simple, even for beginners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crusty Italian bread recipe uses simple ingredients—flour, yeast, salt, and water—which makes it incredibly accessible for anyone looking to bake bread at home. The straightforward steps allow even novice bakers to create a delicious bakery-style loaf right from their kitchen. Whether it’s served alongside a family meal, used for crafting sandwiches, or just enjoyed warm with a bit of butter, this bread quickly becomes a household favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

2. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it on parchment paper.

4. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F, placing a Dutch oven inside to heat.

5. Bake the Bread: Carefully place the dough (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Rising Time: 2 ½ hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Herb-Infused Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist.

• Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan on top before baking to create a delightful cheesy crust.

• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make a heartier loaf.

Storage/Reheating

Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or toast them as desired.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes! You can use a baking stone or sheet pan. Placing a pan of water in the oven will create steam, helping to achieve a crusty exterior.

How do I store leftover bread?

Store it in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl and appropriate baking equipment to handle the increased amount.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

If you only have active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy before adding it to the flour.

How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s done. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, once the bread has cooled completely, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer bag.

How long will the bread stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight bag at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for up to 3 days. If frozen, it can last for several months.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

Absolutely! You can experiment with adding ingredients like olives, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your bread.

What type of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. However, you can use bread flour for a slightly different texture, which may result in a chewier crumb.

Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?

While the recipe is designed for hand mixing and rising, you can certainly adapt it to a bread machine if preferred. Just follow the machine’s instructions for adding the ingredients and setting the rise and bake cycles.

Conclusion

Baking your own crusty Italian bread at home is not only fun but incredibly rewarding. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, this bread is a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe ensures a straightforward and successful baking experience every time. Happy baking!