There’s something magnetic about the aroma of freshly baked Italian Bread wafting through your kitchen — golden, crackly crust on the outside and a tender, chewy center on the inside. This classic loaf is the heart and soul of so many comforting meals, whether you’re swiping up the last bit of sauce from your plate or building the ultimate sandwich. With a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’ll master bakery-style Italian bread at home, no passport required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Italian bread is how such humble, everyday ingredients can whisk up a loaf that’s pure magic. Each element brings something irreplaceable — from flavor to texture to that irresistible golden hue.
- Bread flour: The higher protein content in bread flour gives Italian bread its signature chew and airy crumb.
- Sugar: Just a touch, this helps activate the yeast and adds a whisper of sweetness to balance the loaf’s flavor.
- Olive oil: For a classic taste and soft interior, a splash of olive oil is a must in any Italian bread recipe.
- Salt: Not just for taste, salt balances the flavor and helps control yeast activity.
- Instant yeast: Makes life easier and helps our loaf get that beautiful rise without extra fuss.
- Warm water: Perfect temperature water helps the yeast grow happy and robust, building that great bread structure.
- Egg white + water: For an egg wash that creates a glossy, golden-brown crust everyone craves.
How to Make Italian Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy on top. This is your signal that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, producing the bubbles that give your Italian bread such perfect lift.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add your bread flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a loose dough begins to form. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes (by hand or machine) until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. Don’t be afraid to dust in a bit more flour if it sticks. This is the Italian bread’s base, so take care to develop that gluten structure!
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl and plop in your dough. Turn it over to coat, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest somewhere warm for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size. The dough will become pillowy and soft — a sure sign that you’re well on your way to bread bliss.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Once your dough has risen like a cozy pillow, gently punch it down to release excess air. Then shape it into a long loaf — you’re aiming for that classic Italian bread look. Lay your shaped dough on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for its final rest.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second proof gives your bread that airy interior and tender bite everyone loves, ensuring every slice is soft and cloud-like.
Step 6: Score and Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With a very sharp knife, confidently score the top of your loaf — classic Italian bread gets those showy slashes on top. Mix your egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the dough. This is the secret to getting that shiny, appetizing crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the loaf is gloriously golden and sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom. Want an artisan-style crust? Pop a pan of hot water onto the oven’s lower rack before baking to steam the bread. Let your masterpiece cool slightly before slicing — if you can resist!
How to Serve Italian Bread
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Italian bread brushed with melted butter or olive oil, then finished with flaky sea salt and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs. For extra sparkle, a dusting of grated parmesan or a touch of cracked black pepper always brings a smile to the table.
Side Dishes
Italian bread is a superstar companion for all sorts of comfort food. Serve it alongside rich, hearty soups or classic pastas to soak up every drop of sauce. It’s the ultimate partner for antipasto plates, salads, or a warm bowl of minestrone.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try slicing your Italian bread on a sharp diagonal for dramatic, rustic pieces that look gorgeous in a breadbasket. Or go bold: slice the entire loaf horizontally, slather with seasoned buttery garlic spread, and bake for a crowd-pleasing garlic bread centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Italian bread at its best by storing it in an airtight bag or bread box at room temperature. It’ll stay soft and delicious for 2 to 3 days — perfect for morning toast or snacking anytime.
Freezing
Italian bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months, ready for a quick defrost whenever a bread craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive your Italian bread, pop slices or a whole loaf into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back the crisp crust and warming aroma, almost as if it just came out of the oven for the first time.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour works in a pinch, though your Italian bread might be a bit less chewy and tall. Bread flour is preferred for its structure, but either way, you’ll still have a delicious loaf.
How do I know if my yeast is still good?
When you add yeast to warm water and sugar, you should see it start to foam after a few minutes. If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired or inactive, and you’ll want to grab a fresh packet.
Can I make this Italian bread dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough, let it rise once, shape it, and then refrigerate overnight. The slow cold rise will actually deepen the flavor. Let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
What’s the best way to get a crusty Italian bread?
To achieve that crave-worthy crust, brush on the egg wash generously and use steam in your oven (by adding a pan of hot water to the bottom rack) as it bakes. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for maximum crispy texture.
Is this bread suitable for vegans?
The bread itself is vegan if you skip the egg wash! Just brush the loaf with a little olive oil before baking to get a subtle sheen, and you’ll have a plant-based classic on your hands.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much joy in making Italian bread from scratch — every step fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. If you’ve never tried homemade bread before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Give it a whirl and let your Italian bread take center stage at your next meal. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Italian Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A golden, crusty loaf with a soft and chewy inside—this classic Italian bread is perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or served alongside soups and pastas. Simple ingredients come together to create a bakery-style loaf right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 4 cups (480 g) bread flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and Proof: Punch down dough and shape into a long loaf. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Score loaf with a sharp knife. Brush with egg wash. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and Slice: Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For extra crunch, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
- Add Italian herbs (oregano, rosemary) into the dough for a flavored loaf.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
