Go Back
–+ servings
Handheld photo of a rustic Italian bread loaf with visible fissures and a light flour dusting. (Crusty Italian Bread Recipe)
FL Recipes

Crusty Italian Bread Recipe: How to Make Bakery-Quality Artisan Loaves at Home

Master the art of high-hydration baking with this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe. Achieve a deep golden-brown, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior with large holes using simple ingredients and professional steam-baking techniques.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Baking, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Ingredients
  • 500 g Bread Flour High protein for better gluten structure
  • 375 ml Warm Water Approximately 100°F (38°C)
  • 7 g Active Dry Yeast One standard packet
  • 10 g Sea Salt Fine grain
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour For dusting the top of the loaf

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven Essential for trapping steam to create a crackly crust.
  • 1 Bread Lame or Sharp Blade Used for scoring the dough to control the rise.
  • 1 Digital Kitchen Scale Ensures accurate hydration ratios.

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. Whisk flour and salt. Dissolve yeast in warm water and combine into a shaggy dough.
  2. Let the dough rest covered for 30 minutes to hydrate the flour.
  3. Perform 4 sets of 'stretch and folds' every 30 minutes over a 2-hour period.
Baking Process
  1. Shape into a boule and refrigerate for 12-24 hours for maximum flavor development.
  2. Dust the top with flour and score a deep fissure across the center with a lame.
  3. Bake in a preheated Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C) with the lid on for 25 minutes, then 15 minutes with the lid off.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalProtein: 6gFat: 1gFiber: 2g

Notes

Wait at least one hour before slicing to ensure the crumb sets.
For a darker crust, leave the loaf in the oven with the door cracked for 5 minutes after baking.
Keyword artisan bread,Crusty Italian Bread Recipe,No-Knead Bread

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe