If you love a rustic loaf with a chewy interior and a golden, crackly crust, this Crusty Italian Bread is about to become your new signature bake. Perfect for anyone searching for a load of bread recipe, easy bread for dinner, or a simple crust bread recipe, this Italian-style loaf delivers artisan bakery results without complicated steps.

It fits beautifully into homemade quick bread recipes, homemade dinner bread, and even easy one day bread recipes meaning you can bake a fresh, warm loaf the same day you start it. With simple pantry staples and bread recipe using bread flour, this recipe is perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or any bread for Italian dinner night.

Crisp outside. Soft inside. Always impressive. Always delicious.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rise Time: 2–3 hours
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~3.5 hours
• Servings: 1 loaf (6–8 slices)

Ingredients List

For the Italian Bread

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Sea salt flakes
• Garlic butter (for brushing after baking)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Kitchen towel
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Sharp knife or bread lame
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   • In a bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast.
   • Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the dough
   • Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil.
   • Stir until dough forms a shaggy ball.
3. Knead the dough
   • Knead 8–10 minutes (smooth, elastic, slightly tacky).
   • If using a mixer → medium speed for 6 minutes.
4. First rise
   • Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
   • Cover and rest 1–2 hours until doubled.
   • Dough should be puffy and airy.
5. Shape the loaf
   • Gently deflate dough and form into a tight oval loaf.
   • Place on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
6. Second rise
   • Cover with a towel and rise 30–45 minutes.
7. Score the loaf
   • Use a sharp knife to make 3 diagonal slashes.
   • This helps it rise properly in the oven.
8. Bake
   • Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.
   • For an ultra-crispy crust → place a tray of hot water on the bottom rack to create steam.
9. Cool completely
   • Cool at least 20 minutes for optimum texture.
   • Slice and enjoy warm with butter or olive oil.

Pro Tips Section

1. Crispier crust:
   Add a tray of water while baking → instant steam oven!
2. Chewier crumb:
   Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
3. Quick rise method:
   Place dough in a warm oven (turned off) for faster proofing.
4. Italian dinner pairing:
   Perfect with marinara, soups, charcuterie, salads, or pasta dishes.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

This rustic Italian bread is golden, chewy, and crusty — the perfect one-day recipe using bread flour and no fancy tools. Ideal for pasta nights or fresh sandwich slices.

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Course: Bread, Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3.5 cups bread flour
• 1.25 cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• wooden spoon
• baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• sharp knife or lame for scoring the dough
• oven

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle in the yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
4. Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Score the top with a sharp knife. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes until crust is golden and sounds hollow.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 280mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 8mgIron: 2mg

Notes

You can steam the oven (add a tray of water on the bottom rack) for extra crust. Let the loaf cool fully before slicing for best texture.

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Conclusion

This Crusty Italian Bread is rustic, chewy, crisp, and unbelievably easy to bake. Whether you’re making a classic loaf for dinner, trying out quick homemade bread recipes, or perfecting your Italian dinner menu, this bread rises beautifully every single time. Simple ingredients → extraordinary results.

FAQs