Easy Bread Recipes – Crusty Italian Bread Anyone Can Make

Introduction

Craving the comforting aroma and satisfying crunch of a bakery-style loaf at home? This Crusty Italian Bread recipe is designed for ultimate ease—no complicated steps, no special equipment required, just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly bread, delivering a golden-brown, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior every time. Whether paired with pasta, served with soups, or simply slathered with butter, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crusty Italian Bread

Few things beat the fresh-baked flavor and satisfying texture of classic Italian bread. This recipe stands out for its minimal prep and foolproof results: no kneading, just mix, let it rise, and bake! You’ll be rewarded with a loaf that boasts the signature crackling crust and chewy crumb of your favorite bakery—without the intimidation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s a surefire crowd pleaser that fills your home with irresistible warmth.

The Easiest Way to Achieve a Beautiful Crust

What makes this bread crusty? It’s all about baking with steam. Simply place an oven-safe dish of hot water on the lower rack as your bread bakes. This creates steam, helping the crust develop that desired crunch while keeping the interior tender. It’s a simple, foolproof trick—no special steam oven required!

Serving Suggestions for Your Italian Bread

Enjoy warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, serve alongside your favorite pasta dish, or use for gourmet sandwiches. Leftovers make fantastic toast—top with avocado, garlic rub, or a spread of homemade jam. However you serve it, this versatile loaf is sure to make any meal feel a bit more special.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe produces one large loaf (about 10-12 slices). Each slice contains roughly 120 calories, mostly from complex carbohydrates and just a touch of heart-healthy olive oil. Because of its simplicity, it’s a wonderful addition to a balanced diet or special occasion spread.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with every ingredient, sorted by store section. Simplify your grocery run and never miss a staple again!

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir, then let stand 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil and salt. Stir in flour one cup at a time, mixing with a sturdy spoon or dough whisk until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or sprinkle with cornmeal.
5. With floured hands, gently turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a rustic oval or round loaf—avoiding heavy kneading.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet. (Optional: Use a sharp knife to slash the top a few times for a classic look.)
7. Fill an oven-safe pan with hot water and set on lower rack to create steam.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crusty. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped underneath.
9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm, or store in a paper bag for up to 2 days to maintain the crust.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Crusty Italian Bread is ideal for weekly meal prep—bake a loaf, and you’ll have the foundation for sandwiches, toast, and sides all week long. Save and schedule this recipe for any day of the week and let CookifyAI generate a tailored shopping list that combines all needed ingredients from your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Total ingredient quantities calculated for all recipes
– Shopping lists neatly sorted by departments (produce, bakery, pantry, etc.)
– Avoids duplicate purchases—shop only for what you need
– Streamlines busy weeknights by clarifying prep tasks in advance

Pro tip: Schedule this bread alongside soups, salads, or pasta recipes for effortless planning. CookifyAI will update your list with the correct flour and yeast amounts—no guesswork required, just fresh, crusty bread all week long!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1–2 hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2–2.5 hours (including rise and bake)

Enjoy the simplicity and unbeatable aroma of homemade Italian bread—made easy for any cook and every kitchen.