Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about pulling a golden loaf of crusty Italian bread fresh from the oven. This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it strikes that perfect balance of a crackly, crunchy crust with a soft, chewy inside. Whether you’re planning to dip it in olive oil, use it for sandwiches, or serve alongside your favorite pasta, this bread truly elevates any meal.

I love making this recipe on weekend mornings when I have time to let the dough do its magic. It’s surprisingly simple, but the key to success lies in patience and a few easy tricks I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, once you try this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe, you’ll want to have it on your go-to baking list forever!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe plays an important role to give you that classic texture and rich flavor. I always recommend using good quality bread flour and fresh yeast for the best rise and crust development.

• Bread Flour: This gives the bread structure and chewiness. Make sure to use bread flour, not all-purpose, for that perfect crust and crumb.
• Warm Water: Between 100-110°F is ideal—warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps feed the yeast for a good rise and adds subtle sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Gives your bread that airy texture. I always check the expiration date to ensure it’s fresh.
• Butter (Room Temperature): Adds tenderness and flavor to the dough.
• Salt: Essential for flavor, but also helps control yeast activity.
• Egg White: Used to coat the bread before baking for a shiny crust.
• Chilled Water: Mixed with egg white to create that beautiful glaze.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the crust crispy.

Variations

I love experimenting with this crusty Italian bread recipe. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to make it your own depending on what you’ve got in the pantry or your dietary needs.

• Herb Infused: Adding dried rosemary or oregano to the dough takes this bread to a whole new level. I often do this when I want a more aromatic loaf for dipping in flavored olive oils.
• Whole Wheat: I sometimes swap half the bread flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber—just keep in mind the bread will be a bit denser.
• Gluten-Free: While this recipe is best with bread flour, you can try gluten-free flours but you’ll need to adjust liquids and kneading time.
• Garlic Bread Version: Brushing the crust with garlic butter right after baking is my go-to when I want a quick garlic bread fix that still has that trademark crust.

How to Make Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by warming your water to about 100-110°F—think warm bath temperature, not hot. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and sugar over the water and give it a little stir. Then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it foams up. This bubbling action means your yeast is alive and kicking—don’t skip this step, or your bread won’t rise properly!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add in the softened butter, then pour in your bubbly yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Now comes the fun part—kneading! You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. I like to let mine rise near the stove or inside an off oven with just the light on. This patience pays off with better texture and flavor!

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a long loaf or a round boule, depending on your preference. Transfer your loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, until almost doubled. This second rise adds that extra fluffiness inside with a crunchy crust outside.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix the egg white with chilled water and brush this glaze over your loaf—this creates that lovely shiny crust. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for flavor and crispness. If you want, score the top with a sharp knife to let the steam escape and give your bread that signature look. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crisp.

How to Serve Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this bread with just a simple drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil sprinkled with cracked black pepper or a little flaky sea salt. Sometimes, I also enjoy a smear of garlic butter or fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This crusty Italian bread is fantastic alongside rich tomato-based sauces, hearty soups like minestrone or lentil, and classic Italian dishes such as pasta bolognese. It’s also perfect for making gourmet sandwiches or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to slice the loaf thick and toast the pieces lightly, then arrange them artistically on a wooden board around bowls of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and different cheeses. It turns a simple bread into a show-stopping appetizer that everyone loves reaching for.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the crust crisp, I recommend storing leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature. Plastic will soften the crust, which is tempting but not quite the same experience. Usually, our loaf doesn’t last more than 2 days around here!

Freezing

If you need to save some for later, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. I label the date on it. Then, whenever you want a fresh taste, just pop the slices in the toaster or oven straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring that crust back to life, I heat slices in a 375°F oven for about 5-8 minutes. The crust crisps up again, and the inside warms up softly. You can also sprinkle a little water on the crust before baking to revive some moisture if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crusty Italian Bread Recipe really feels like a labor of love in my kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house and the joy of biting into a loaf with a perfectly crackly crust. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—remember, every loaf gets better with practice. So don’t be afraid to get your hands floury and make this recipe your own. Bread baking is one of those simple pleasures that makes any day feel a little cozier.

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