Name: Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 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 simple yet satisfying loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or accompanying your favorite pasta dishes, this bread brings authentic Italian flavors right to your kitchen.

The image shows three golden-brown loaves of bread on a wooden cutting board. Each loaf has a shiny, crispy crust with deep slashes on the top that reveal the soft white inside. Small green leaves are scattered over the crusts, adding a fresh touch to the warm tones of the bread. The texture of the bread appears light and airy, with some flour dusting visible on the crust. A folded light blue cloth is partially visible in the bottom right corner, and the background is a white marbled texture. 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 5 to 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 8 to 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 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 5: 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 30 to 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 to 30 minutes 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 softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough before the first rise for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain the crust’s crunchiness. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Three golden brown small loaves of bread lie close on a wooden board. Each loaf has four long cuts on top showing soft, white bread inside. Small green leaves are placed on the crusts for decoration. The crusts look crispy with a slightly shiny finish, and the soft bread inside is white and fluffy. The board rests on a white marbled surface, and a gray cloth is seen in the corner. 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 substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the flour, reducing or eliminating the proofing time with warm water.

Why is steam used during baking?

Steam helps create a crispy, crackly crust by keeping the dough surface moist in the first minutes of baking, allowing it to expand before the crust sets.