Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: Easy Homemade Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 1 ½ tsp instant yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

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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

I love how this recipe uses simple ingredients—just flour, yeast, salt, and water—making it accessible for any home baker. The process is straightforward, guiding me through each step to achieve that bakery-style loaf right in my kitchen. Whether I'm serving it with a meal, crafting sandwiches, or just enjoying a slice warm from the oven, this crusty Italian bread quickly becomes a household favorite.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, I combine flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually adding warm water, I mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
First Rise: I cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough: Transferring the dough to a lightly floured surface, I gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork it. Then, I place it on parchment paper.
Second Rise: I cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, I preheat my oven to 450°F, placing a Dutch oven inside to heat.
Bake the Bread: Carefully placing the dough (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven, I cover and bake for 30 minutes. Then, I remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Removing the bread from the oven, I let it 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: I add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy Crust: Sprinkling shredded Parmesan on top before baking gives a delightful cheesy crust.
Whole Wheat Option: Substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour creates a heartier loaf.

Storage/Reheating

After the bread has cooled completely, I store it in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze it. To reheat, I 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! I can use a baking stone or sheet pan. Placing a pan of water in the oven creates steam, helping to achieve a crusty exterior.

How do I store leftover bread?

I store it in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze it.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! I just ensure I have a large enough bowl and baking equipment to accommodate the increased quantity.

What if I don't have instant yeast?

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

How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

I tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it's done. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown.

Conclusion

Baking this crusty Italian bread at home is a rewarding experience. With its crisp crust and soft interior, it's a versatile addition to any meal. Whether I'm a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a straightforward path to delicious, homemade bread.

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: Easy Homemade Delight

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 slices
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This easy homemade crusty Italian bread features a golden, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, perfect for any meal or as a standalone treat.

Ingredients

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it on parchment paper.
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
Place the dough (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Top with Parmesan before baking for a cheesy crust.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Store in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or toast as desired.