Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489479H49M12S
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F); Cornmeal for dusting

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Introduction

Crusty Italian bread is a classic homemade loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or alongside your favorite meals, this bread is easier to make than you might think.

Two round loaves of bread rest on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, each loaf showing a golden-brown crust with a lightly dusted layer of white flour. The bread’s top is cracked with crispy edges, revealing a lighter, soft inner texture beneath. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on the crusts, adding a touch of color contrast. The loaf in the foreground is larger and more detailed, while another loaf is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
Step 6: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
Step 8: Just before baking, make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
Step 9: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough can soften the crumb slightly without losing the crusty texture.
Use a razor blade or very sharp knife for cleaner, deeper slashes on the dough before baking.
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can lightly flour the baking sheet instead to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

The image shows a round loaf of golden brown bread with a crusty, textured surface dusted lightly with white flour. The bread has visible cracks and slices on the top with small green rosemary leaves embedded in the crust. The inside of the bread is fluffy and light, visible from a cut half placed behind the whole loaf. Both pieces rest on a wooden cutting board with a white marbled textured background blurred beyond it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step with warm water and sugar.

Why is steam important when baking this bread?

Steam helps create a crispy crust by keeping the dough surface moist during the initial baking phase, allowing it to expand fully before the crust hardens.