Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (Print Version)
Bake a rustic, crusty Italian bread at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving with dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Dough's Heart & Soul
01 -
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
02 -
1/2 cup fine semolina flour
03 -
1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
04 -
2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet)
05 -
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
→ Rustic Flavor & Texture Enhancers
06 -
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
07 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 -
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
10 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
→ For the Signature Crust
11 -
2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting)
12 -
1/2 cup cold water (for creating steam in the oven)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F), 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for your Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe.
02 -
In a separate large bowl, whisk together 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup fine semolina flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Ensure they are well combined.
03 -
Pour the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, essential for a perfect Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe.
04 -
Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough in it, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This bulk fermentation is crucial for flavor development.
05 -
Gently punch down the dough and shape it into an oval or round loaf. Sprinkle a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons cornmeal, then place the shaped loaf on it. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
06 -
While the dough rises for the second time, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place an empty oven-safe pan (like a cast iron skillet or broiler pan) on the bottom rack. This pan will hold the 1/2 cup cold water for steam, creating the signature crust for your Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe.
07 -
Just before baking, score the top of the loaf 2-3 times with a sharp knife. Carefully pour 1/2 cup cold water into the hot pan on the bottom rack (it will steam immediately). Quickly place the bread in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
08 -
Remove the Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling allows the internal structure to set and prevents a gummy texture. Enjoy warm with olive oil or your favorite spread!
# Notes:
01 -
For an even crispier crust, consider baking the bread on a preheated pizza stone or in a Dutch oven.
02 -
Store leftover bread at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 2-3 days, or freeze sliced bread for longer storage (up to 1 month).
03 -
If you don't have semolina flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the texture will be slightly less rustic.
04 -
This crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, serving alongside pasta dishes, or making delicious sandwiches.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Baking sheet
05 -
Parchment paper
06 -
Small oven-safe pan
07 -
Wire rack
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 248 kcal
Total Fat: 3 g
Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
Protein: 6 g