Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A freshly baked, crusty Italian bread loaf, dusted with flour, sitting on a wooden board with one slice cut.

Easy Crusty Italian Bread

  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 min
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make bakery-style crusty Italian bread at home. This recipe yields a loaf with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together.
  2. Pour in the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a long, oval loaf.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) 20 minutes before baking. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to hold water for steam.
  9. Just before baking, score the top of the loaf once or twice with a sharp knife.
  10. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the bread in the oven.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you do not have instant yeast, use active dry yeast and let it proof in the warm water for 5 minutes before adding the flour.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with pasta sauce or used for hearty sandwiches.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 1
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 31
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 0

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://gourmetgusto.net/easy-crusty-italian-bread-recipe/