Rustic Italian Crusty Bread – The Ultimate Artisan Loaf

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fill your home with the heartwarming aroma of freshly baked bread? 🥖✨ Today’s recipe is pure comfort — Rustic Italian Crusty Bread – The Ultimate Artisan Loaf. This bread has that crackly golden crust you dream about, with a soft, airy inside that’s perfect for dipping into olive oil, slathering with butter, or serving alongside a cozy bowl of soup. 🍲💛

There’s something soul-soothing about baking your own bread — the rhythmic kneading, the rising dough, the satisfying “crack” when you slice into a freshly baked loaf. This recipe keeps it simple and traditional, honoring old-world Italian techniques that turn humble ingredients — flour, water, yeast, and salt — into a masterpiece of texture and flavor. 🌾

No fancy machines or complicated steps — just time, patience, and love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this loaf will make you feel like a true Italian nonna in your kitchen! Let’s roll up those sleeves and bake some magic. 💪🍞

---

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for added flavor)

For Finishing:

• A little flour for dusting
• Cornmeal or parchment paper for the baking surface

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly — that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! ✨

2️⃣ Form the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a sticky dough.

3️⃣ Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4️⃣ First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5️⃣ Shape the Loaf:
Punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a baking stone dusted with cornmeal.

6️⃣ Second Rise:
Cover loosely and let it rest for another 30–40 minutes until slightly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking dish with water on the lower rack — this creates steam for that perfect crust! 💨

7️⃣ Score and Bake:
Using a sharp knife or lame, make a few shallow slashes on top of the loaf. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8️⃣ Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with olive oil, butter, or soup — and enjoy that beautiful crunch! 🥰

---

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
🔥 Baking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 1 large loaf (8 slices)

⚡ Calories per serving: 190
💪 Protein: 6g
🥦 Carbohydrates: 36g
🥑 Fat: 2g
🧂 Sodium: 240mg
🍋 Cholesterol: 0mg

Crispy on the outside, tender inside — this artisan bread captures the essence of rustic Italian baking. Serve it fresh, toast it for breakfast, or make gourmet sandwiches the next day! 🧡

---

#homemadebread #rusticitalianbread #artisanalbaking #crustyloaf #comfortfood

Bon appétit and happy baking! 👩🍳🍽️