Print

Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Close-up of a freshly baked Italian bread cut in half, showing a light, airy crumb and a golden, crusty top.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make bakery-style Italian bread at home with a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. This recipe is simple enough 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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together.
  2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a 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 oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean 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 round or oval loaf.
  7. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  9. Before baking, lightly score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
  10. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  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, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you do not have instant yeast, use active dry yeast and let it proof in the warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes before adding to the flour.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with pasta sauce or butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/easy-crusty-italian-bread-recipe/