This 6 Ingredient Italian Bread loaf has a golden brown crust and an airy texture. It’s great for homemade sandwich bread, toast, French toast, and homemade garlic bread.
Why I love this recipe
This loaf of Italian bread uses simple ingredients, is easy to make, and is has just 9 easy steps! This recipe makes just 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves.
Table of Contents
As an Amazon Associate, I may make a small commission, at no additional cost, if you purchase through product affiliate links in this post.
Substitutions
You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour.
Any type of cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
How to make Crusty Italian Bread
Step 1 – Combine the instant yeast, water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 cup of flour in a large mixing bowl or large bowl of a stand mixer.
Step 2 – Let it rest for 10 minutes until the yeast starts bubbling and is activated.
Step 3 – Add the remaining flour, sugar, and salt and mix until the flour is incorporated.
Step 4 – Add the vegetable oil and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and satiny. (I use my stand mixer for this with the dough hook attachment.)
Step 5 – Coat the dough all around with oil.
Step 6 – For the first rise, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a wet tea towel and place it in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size (about 45 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on temperature).
Step 7 – For the second rise, punch down the dough. Roll it into a loaf shape, place it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (or into a long loaf pan), cover it with parchment paper again, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes to 1 hour).
Step 8 – Place an oven-safe bowl of water in the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
Step 9 – Put the bread inside the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the shape of the loaf. The bread is finished when it makes a hollow sound when you thump on the bottom with your thumb.
Pro Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container, or airtight plastic bag, for 4-5 days.
This crusty loaf can be frozen.
You may also enjoy
6 Ingredient Italian Bread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ teaspoons rapid rise yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cup warm water (just barely warm to the touch)
- 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola, or olive oil)
Instructions
- Combine the yeast, water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 cup of flour in a large mixing bowl.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes until the yeast starts bubbling and is activated.
- Add the remaining flour, sugar, and salt and mix until the flour is incorporated.
- Add the vegetable oil and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and satiny. (I use my stand mixer for this with the dough hook attachment.)
- Coat the dough all around with oil.
- For the first rise, cover the bowl with parchment paper or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size (about 45 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on temperature).
- For the second rise, punch down the dough. Roll it into a loaf shape, place it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (or into a long loaf pan), cover it with parchment paper again, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes to 1 hour).
- Place an oven-safe bowl of water in the oven and preheat to 400°F.
- Put the bread inside, and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the shape of the loaf. The bread is finished when it makes a hollow sound when you thump on the bottom with your thumb.
Notes
- You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour.
- Any type of cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, or airtight plastic bag, for 4-5 days.
- This crusty loaf can be frozen.
Nutrition
Hi, and welcome. I’m Zona, and I have a passion for recipes. I share recipes, tips, tricks, and resources to help you cook for two. Eat, drink, and enjoy!
Zona House
Monday 4th of November 2024
This bread is delicious! We love it for sandwiches, toast, and French toast!