Crusty Italian Bread is a timeless classic, loved for its crackly golden crust and soft, airy interior. This simple yet elegant bread is perfect for dipping into olive oil, serving alongside pasta, or building hearty sandwiches that call for structure and flavor.
What makes this bread special is its balance. A high-heat bake and added oven steam create that signature crisp crust, while proper kneading and rising ensure a tender crumb with just the right chew. With only a handful of pantry staples, the flavor comes from technique rather than complexity.
This recipe is approachable for home bakers while still delivering bakery-style results. Shaping the dough into rustic loaves gives it a traditional Italian look, and the aroma while it bakes is unmistakably comforting.
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Whether served warm with butter, torn and dipped into soup, or sliced for sandwiches, this crusty Italian bread is a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Servings: 2 loaves
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cornmeal or flour, for dusting
Instructions:
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