Crusty Italian Bread
A golden, crusty Italian bread recipe with a crisp crackly crust and soft fluffy center. Beginner-friendly yet bakery-worthy, this loaf transforms everyday meals into something unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Punch down, shape into a round or oval loaf, and place on a cornmeal-dusted sheet. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F with a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack for steam. Score the loaf and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For best results, weigh your flour and don’t skip the steam—it’s the secret to the crisp crust. Brush with melted butter after baking for a softer finish. Mix in garlic, herbs, or cheese for tasty variations. Store in a paper bag up to 3 days or freeze slices for easy reheating.