Name: Homemade Bread Recipes - Crusty Italian Bread You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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There’s something about pulling a warm loaf of bread from the oven that makes the kitchen feel alive. This crusty Italian bread takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of fresh dough was practically a part of the wallpaper. We’d tear off hunks while it was still steaming, the butter melting before it even touched the surface. It’s not just about the bread though, is it? It’s about slowing down, letting the dough rise while you sip a coffee, and feeling that little thrill when the crust starts to brown in the oven. I’ve made plenty of loaves in my time, but this one? This one is my comfort bread. It’s easy to make, forgiving if you’re new to baking, and the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro without having to actually be one. Whether you’re into Easy Bread Recipes, Quick Breads Recipes, the hunt for the Best Homemade Bread, or you just want to add to your collection of Sweet Bread Recipes, Keto Bread Recipes, and Quick Bread Recipes, this loaf fits right in. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this one close.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crusty Italian Bread
4) How to Make Crusty Italian Bread
5) Tips for Making Crusty Italian Bread
6) Making Crusty Italian Bread Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crusty Italian Bread
8) Try these breads next!
9) Crusty Italian Bread
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This crusty Italian bread is golden on the outside and soft inside, perfect for any meal.
Simple ingredients make it easy for beginners and still rewarding for seasoned bakers.
Rising time is key to flavor and texture, so don’t rush it.
Pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or just a bit of olive oil and herbs.

2) Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

I have a thing for homemade bread recipes. They slow me down in the best way. I stand in the kitchen, coffee in hand, while the yeast works its quiet magic. This crusty Italian bread takes me back to weekends when I’d visit my grandmother and we’d pull loaves straight from the oven. She didn’t measure much, just “a bit of this” and “a pinch of that”, but her bread never failed.

The best part of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Missed a minute here or there? No problem. Forgot to shape it perfectly? It still comes out looking like it belongs on a bakery shelf. It’s a star among Easy Bread Recipes and holds its own in the list of Quick Breads Recipes, yet has that flavor you expect from the Best Homemade Bread.

Whether you spread butter on a warm slice or save it for dipping in soup, this bread is one of those sweet bread recipes you’ll want to keep around, even if you usually stick to keto bread recipes or other quick bread recipes.

3) Ingredients for Crusty Italian Bread

Bread Flour: This is where the chew and structure come from. Bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, giving you that bakery-style crumb and crust.

Sugar: Just a touch helps feed the yeast and adds a hint of flavor without making it sweet.

Salt: It’s not just for taste. Salt helps control yeast activity and strengthens the dough.

Active Dry Yeast: The life of the party. It’s what makes the dough rise and gives the bread its airy texture.

Warm Water: The perfect temperature wakes the yeast without harming it. If it’s too hot, you’ll kill it; too cold, and it won’t wake up.

Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the crust develop its beautiful color.

4) How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Step 1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until it’s foamy. That’s the yeast telling you it’s alive and ready.

Step 2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together into a shaggy mass.

Step 3. Move the dough to a floured surface. Knead until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Step 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size. This can take about an hour depending on your kitchen’s warmth.

Step 5. Punch it down, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 6. Let it rise again, covered, for about 30 minutes.

Step 7. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make a few slashes on top with a sharp knife.

Step 8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 9. Cool a little before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor.

5) Tips for Making Crusty Italian Bread

Give the yeast time to bloom before adding the flour. That little foam on top is your signal it’s working. Skip this step and you risk a flat loaf.

Knead with a light but steady hand. Too little kneading and you’ll end up with dense bread; too much and it becomes tough. Aim for a smooth, stretchy feel.

If you want an extra crispy crust, put a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking. The steam helps create that artisan finish you love in homemade bread recipes.

6) Making Crusty Italian Bread Ahead of Time

This bread is friendly for planning ahead. Make the dough, let it rise once, then cover and store it in the fridge overnight. The slower rise develops a deeper flavor.

If you’re baking the next day, let the dough sit out until it reaches room temperature before shaping and baking. Cold dough goes into shock in a hot oven.

Another option is to bake the bread fully, let it cool, then wrap it well. Reheat in a warm oven before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

7) Storing Leftover Crusty Italian Bread

Keep your loaf in a paper bag for up to two days at room temperature. This helps the crust stay crisp instead of turning soft.

For longer storage, wrap it in foil and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.

A quick tip: avoid plastic bags unless you’re after a softer crust. Plastic traps moisture, which softens the crust but can make the bread chewy in a less pleasant way.

8) Try these breads next!

9) Crusty Italian Bread