Italian Bread Recipe

Craving the perfect loaf to serve alongside pasta, dip in olive oil, or build the ultimate sandwich? This Italian Bread Recipe delivers a soft, fluffy interior wrapped in a lightly crusty exterior, bringing all the warmth and flavor of fresh bakery bread straight to your kitchen. It’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Italian bread is one of those timeless, comforting foods that always hits the spot. This recipe is approachable for beginners, requires minimal ingredients, and results in a golden loaf with an authentic homemade taste. Whether you’re making garlic bread, mopping up sauce, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, this bread is a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

3. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf.

8. Place the loaf on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

9. Let rise for another 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife to make slashes on the top of the dough.

10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Garlic & Herb: Mix minced garlic and Italian herbs into the dough or brush the loaf with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.

• Whole Wheat: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

• Rustic Style: Shape into a round boule and bake on a pizza stone for a more rustic artisan-style loaf.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store at room temperature in a bread bag or airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze sliced or whole in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

2. Why didn’t my dough rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is around 110°F. Too hot or too cold can prevent proper activation.

3. Can I knead the dough with a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6–8 minutes.

4. What’s the purpose of the cornmeal?

Cornmeal prevents the loaf from sticking to the pan and adds a bit of crunch to the bottom crust.

5. How do I get a crispier crust?

Place a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create steam, which helps develop a crunchier crust.

6. Can I add seeds to the crust?

Yes! Brush the dough with water or egg wash and sprinkle with sesame, poppy, or flax seeds before baking.

7. What’s the best flour for Italian bread?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can be used for a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

8. Can I shape the dough into rolls?

Yes! Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into rolls, and bake for 15–18 minutes.

9. Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?

Definitely. Its soft texture and sturdy crust make it ideal for slicing and building hearty sandwiches.

10. Can I add toppings before baking?

Yes, try brushing with olive oil and topping with grated cheese, herbs, or garlic for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Italian Bread Recipe is a must-have for any home baker. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile, delivering a soft yet crusty loaf that complements everything from hearty stews to deli-style sandwiches. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with the warm, irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked bread. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting satisfaction of homemade bread at its best!

Italian Bread Recipe

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This Italian Bread Recipe delivers the perfect soft and fluffy interior with a lightly crusty golden exterior—ideal for dipping, slicing, or sandwich building. Simple to make and full of authentic flavor, this homemade classic brings bakery-quality bread to your kitchen using just a few pantry staples. Perfect for pasta nights, soups, or fresh-out-of-the-oven snacking.

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)

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Instructions

• 1. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.

  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled.

  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  6. Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.

  7. Let rise 30 minutes. Slash the top with a sharp knife.

  8. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

  9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

• • Garlic & Herb: Mix in Italian seasoning or brush with garlic olive oil pre-bake.

  • Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan into or over the dough.

  • Whole Wheat: Swap up to 50% of flour for whole wheat for a denser loaf.

  • Rustic Loaf: Shape as a boule and bake on a stone for artisan-style bread.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian