Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

I am absolutely in love with making bread from scratch, and this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. There is something so satisfying about pulling a golden, crisp loaf from the oven that fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of fresh bread and Italian herbs. This recipe is straightforward enough for a beginner but yields a beautifully rustic loaf that tastes just like what you'd find at a cozy Italian bakery. Whether I’m serving it alongside a rich pasta sauce or just enjoying it with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the crusty exterior and soft, airy inside always amaze me.

Why You'll Love This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

What really stands out to me about this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe is the balance of flavor and texture. The Italian seasoning infuses the bread with vibrant herbaceous notes that make it taste special without overpowering its classic bread goodness. The salt and brown sugar bring out a subtle depth that enhances every bite, and the olive oil adds a hint of richness that keeps the crumb tender. It’s a wonderful combination that makes every slice so irresistible.

Another thing I appreciate is how approachable this recipe is. Despite delivering bakery-quality bread, it doesn't involve complicated steps or fancy equipment beyond your trusty stand mixer. I find the step-by-step instructions really encouraging, making it simple to transform basic pantry staples into a crusty, golden loaf in under an hour. The hands-on time is minimal, giving the yeast a chance to work its magic while you attend to other things.

This bread is perfect for so many occasions. I love making it for family dinners because it pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and pasta dishes. It’s also a hit during casual get-togethers where guests can tear off chunks to enjoy with cheese boards or bruschetta. Honestly, once you try this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe, you’ll find yourself wanting to bake it again and again for everything from weeknight meals to festive celebrations.

Ingredients You'll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element has a role to play, from creating the perfect dough texture to adding that burst of Italian flavor and that golden crust we all crave.

• 1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a perfect dough consistency.
• 2 teaspoons yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise and become airy.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls the yeast fermentation for the best texture.
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Brings authentic herb-infused flavor with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds richness and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb and crisp crust.
• 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread; forms the structure needed for a chewy, delicious loaf.
• 1 egg (beaten plus 1 tablespoon water for the egg wash): Creates the gorgeous glossy finish on the crust as it bakes.

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the lukewarm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly—this shows that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Add the olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and run it on low speed until the dough starts to come together, soft and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in the remaining ½ to 1 cup of flour gradually until it pulls away from the bowl’s sides but still feels slightly tacky.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it somewhere warm but off direct heat — I like to pop mine inside my turned-off oven. Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes until it doubles in size and is nice and puffy.

Step 4: Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently punch it down. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and carefully cut a long slit down the center of each one with a sharp knife—this helps the bread expand while baking.

Step 5: Cover the loaves loosely with a cloth and let rise again for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.

Step 6: Just before baking, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of your loaves to give them that beautiful golden shine. To prevent the loaves from sticking together if they expand, place a little roll of parchment paper between them on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Place a shallow oven-safe dish filled with water on the lower rack of your oven—this adds steam that helps develop the crust. Bake the bread on the middle rack for about 30 minutes or until the crust is deeply browned and sounds hollow when tapped.

Servings and Timing

This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe makes two generous-sized loaves, perfect for about 2 hearty servings each or shared among a small crowd as a side. The total active prep time is about 15 minutes, but don’t forget the dough needs two rising periods totaling about 1 hour. Baking takes approximately 30 minutes, so from start to finish you're looking at just under 2 hours. The waiting time is well worth it for the amazing fresh bread you'll enjoy!

How to Serve This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

When I serve this Crusty Italian Bread, I love slicing it thickly to dip in rich olive oil or hearty tomato sauces. It pairs wonderfully with Italian classics like marinara-drenched meatballs or creamy risotto. You can also slice it horizontally, grill it lightly, and top with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a quick bruschetta that dazzles guests.

For presentation, I like to serve the loaves whole, placed on a rustic wooden board accompanied by a small bowl of sea salt or flavored olive oil for dipping. Warm or at room temperature, the bread’s flavor shines best; I avoid serving it chilled, as that dulls the delicate herbs and crusty texture.

Beverage-wise, I often pair this bread with a glass of Chianti or a crisp white wine, which complement the Italian seasonings beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon refreshes the palate. This bread is a real crowd-pleaser for special dinners, casual weeknight meals, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe. One simple variation is swapping the Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and garlic to create an aromatic herb loaf. You could also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an added burst of flavor and texture, which makes the bread even more exciting for sandwich bases or antipasto boards.

If you need a gluten-free version, I recommend using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the dough’s elasticity. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but the process remains largely the same. For a vegan alternative, simply omit the egg wash and brush the loaves with olive oil before baking to achieve a lovely crust and shine.

For a different cooking technique, try baking the dough on a preheated pizza stone to create an even crispier crust. Alternatively, shaping the dough into rolls or smaller buns is perfect when you want individual servings or sandwich buns. I find that playing with these tweaks keeps this classic recipe fresh and exciting every time I bake it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover bread (though that’s rare in my house!), store it at room temperature in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep the crust crisp while preventing it from drying out. Avoid plastic bags for short-term storage since they trap moisture and soften the crust. The bread will stay fresh for about 2 days this way.

Freezing

This Crusty Italian Bread freezes very well. To freeze, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect from freezer burn. Frozen bread will keep its best quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the loaf at room temperature still wrapped to retain moisture.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven texture, I like to preheat my oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the bread for about 10 minutes after thawing, uncovered on a baking sheet. This refreshes the crust’s crunch and revitalizes the flavors. Avoid microwaving the bread as it tends to make it soggy and chewy. A lightly toasted slice straight from the oven is truly unbeatable!

FAQs

Can I make this bread by hand without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl using a spoon or spatula and then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The results will be just as delicious, though kneading takes a bit more effort.

What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

Sometimes yeast can be sensitive to temperature or age. Make sure your water is lukewarm, not hot or cold, and that your yeast is fresh. If your dough doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer spot or doubling the rising time. Using brown sugar helps feed the yeast, so don’t skip it. If the problem persists, consider testing a new packet of yeast.

Can I omit the Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can leave out the Italian seasoning if you prefer plain white bread or want to add different flavors later. The bread will still taste great but without the herbal notes. You can customize the flavor with other herbs or spices added during shaping or after baking.

Why do I need to put water in the oven during baking?

The shallow dish of water creates steam inside the oven, which is essential for developing a shiny, crusty exterior on the bread. The steam slows down the crust from setting too quickly, allowing the dough to expand fully and the crust to bake into a beautiful crisp.

How long can I keep this bread fresh without refrigeration?

Because of its crusty exterior and tender crumb, this bread is best eaten within 2 days when stored properly at room temperature. Refrigerating crusty bread often dries it out faster, so unless freezing, I recommend storing it loosely wrapped in a paper bag or kitchen towel for optimum freshness.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe a try because nothing beats the satisfaction of homemade bread that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, loaded with fragrant herbs. It’s a recipe that brings a little bakery magic right to your kitchen counter with straightforward steps and simple ingredients. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, I’m confident that this loaf will become a cherished favorite, perfect for every meal and occasion.

Print