5-Ingredient Crusty Italian Bread Recipe (So Easy!)
A simple homemade crusty Italian bread with a golden brown crust and soft interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: cornmeal for dusting, chopped rosemary or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mix. Stir to form a shaggy dough, then knead until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf. Sprinkle cornmeal on parchment paper and set the dough on top. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Score the top of the loaf, transfer to a hot baking sheet or Dutch oven, and bake for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown.
Notes
- Use warm water (110°F) for best yeast activation.
- Knead the dough until smooth for the best texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for optimal results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg