Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a golden, crackling crust and a pillowy, aromatic crumb, this classic Crusty Italian Bread is here to sweep you off your feet. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll end up with a loaf so stunning and flavorful, it might just become your new baking obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It always amazes me how such humble, everyday ingredients can transform into something as magical as Crusty Italian Bread. Each element serves a special role—bringing flavor, structure, or that unbeatable exterior crunch!

• Strong Flour: This high-protein flour gives your loaf that sturdy structure and delightfully chewy crumb.
• Wholemeal Spelt Flour: It infuses subtle nuttiness and a rustic depth that elevates classic Italian bread beyond ordinary.
• Wheat Flour Type ‘0’: The backbone of Italian baking, it adds softness and the familiar open crumb we all crave.
• Water: Good old tap water is perfect, as long as you let it rest for 10 minutes so the chlorine dissipates.
• Dehydrated Beer Yeast: It brings the bread to life, ensuring a gentle, reliable rise and airy interior.
• Salt: Never skip this—salt sharpens flavors and adds balance to the crumb.
• Diastatic Malt (or Honey): This ingredient is the secret to that irresistible golden, crusty finish—no shortcuts here!

Variations

This Crusty Italian Bread recipe is ripe for tweaking! Whether you’re after a little extra flavor, need to adjust for allergies, or want to get creative, there’s plenty of room to make it truly your own.

• Garlic & Herb: Try adding a teaspoon of dried herbs—oregano, rosemary, thyme—and a couple of minced garlic cloves for a savory punch.
• Multigrain Crunch: Swap out some wheat flour for spelt, rye, or add a spoonful of seeds like sunflower or flax for extra texture.
• Semi-Whole Wheat: Increase the wholemeal spelt for a slightly denser loaf with a deeper, earthy flavor profile.
• Sourdough Touch: Replace a portion of the yeast with sourdough starter for tang and a complex finish.

How to Make Crusty Italian Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by adding all your flours, malt or honey, and yeast into your stand mixer bowl. Begin mixing at the lowest speed and pour in half of the rested water. As the flour absorbs the water, add the salt. This gentle start ensures your yeast wakes up slowly and evenly, building flavor from the very first stir.

Step 2: Develop the Dough

Continue mixing and slowly add the rest of the water until your dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. Watch for a glutinous, stretchy “windowpane” effect—it means your dough’s structure is just right! Let the dough rest in the mixer bowl for about 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 3: Folding for Strength

Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out your dough for a couple of “folds.” This simple technique (think of folding a letter into thirds) builds internal structure for that coveted chewy crumb. Aim for at least two folds—don’t rush; give it some gentle attention!

Step 4: Long, Slow Rise

Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it in the fridge. Let it rise for about 20 hours (it will double in size and fill your kitchen with anticipation). For a faster bake, you can let it rise at room temp for three hours, but patience brings out the best flavor and texture for authentic Crusty Italian Bread.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your Dutch oven in the oven at 230°C. Once it’s blazing hot, carefully remove it (don’t burn yourself!), and plop the dough right in—no fancy shaping needed. Pop on the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and lower to 200°C for another 15 minutes. Crack the oven door during the last 5 minutes for the ultimate crispy crust. Cool on a rack and resist cutting in too soon—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Crusty Italian Bread

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt make this Crusty Italian Bread a feast for all your senses. Serve warm and let everyone tear off rustic chunks—bread this good needs little adornment!

Side Dishes

This bread is meant to be shared and savored with company! Pair it with hearty Italian soups, vibrant salads, or alongside a decadent cheese and charcuterie board. And of course, it makes the ultimate partner to your favorite pasta dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and toast for bruschetta, tear into rustic hunks and pile into a bread basket, or hollow out small rounds to serve as edible soup bowls. For a fun twist, offer a “build your own crostini” board and let guests get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Crusty Italian Bread at its best, store leftover slices in a paper bag or wrapped in a cotton towel at room temperature. This helps preserve its delightful crunch for a day or two—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread freezes brilliantly! Slice and wrap tightly in plastic, then store in a freezer bag. When a craving hits, you’ll have homemade bread ready in minutes—just thaw and reheat for fresh-from-the-oven flavor and crust.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, reheat bread in a hot oven (about 180°C/350°F) for 8–10 minutes. If the crust softens after storage, this step perks it back up perfectly. A light spritz of water on the crust ensures the signature crunch returns!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the aromas and crackle of warm, homemade Crusty Italian Bread wafting from your kitchen. So grab your flours and a Dutch oven, invite your loved ones, and rediscover the simple joy of sharing a slice—because every great conversation starts with good bread. Buon appetito!

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