Making Italian bread isn’t hard at all, but you need to pay attention to the proofing times. It’s all about that airy texture inside, which means you have to let the dough rise properly. Kneading takes some muscle, but if you have a mixer (or just let it ferment overnight) it’s much easier.

After it bakes, the smell wafting through the house is just heavenly. It has a way of making everything feel cozier. Just remember, letting it cool before slicing makes for less squished bread. But who are we kidding? I always end up cutting a piece straight out of the oven anyway.

A beautifully baked rustic loaf of Italian bread, sliced to showcase its crusty exterior and soft, airy interior, perfect for dipping or serving alongside pasta dishes, presented on a neutral plate with a hint of greenery and olive oil in the background.

pizza oven cta 2025 ver2b Authentic Italian Bread Recipe

Key Ingredient: Flour Power

Choosing the right flour for Italian bread is a big deal. All-purpose flour works fine for most recipes, but if you want that classic chewy texture, go for bread flour. It has a higher protein content, which helps with gluten development.

If you can find “00” flour, that’s a bonus. 00 flour is milled super finely, so it gives the bread a delicate and fluffy texture. You even can mix 00 flour with bread flour, which gives you the best of both worlds.

Just make sure to grab what feels right for your baking vibe. Experimentation is key, and mixing and matching different kinds of flour lets you come up with a bread that’s unique for you.

Your Grocery List

Bread flour
All-purpose flour
Water
Yeast
Salt
Olive oil
Sugar

Techniques and Tips

Kneading is where the magic happens. You want to knead that dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 10 minutes.

Letting the dough rest is super important too. If you have the time, an overnight ferment in the fridge really enhances the flavor. Just cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out. And when it’s time to bake, make sure your oven is preheated. Toss a pan of water in there for steam if you want a crust that’s crispy but not too hard.

Make It Even Better

If you want to jazz things up, consider adding herbs or garlic to the dough. Fresh rosemary or thyme can really elevate the flavor. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top right before baking for a little extra crunch. And if you’re feeling indulgent, brush the crust with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven. It’s a game-changer.

Drink Pairings

Italian bread pairs well with so many different drinks. A nice Chianti is classic, but if you’re not in the mood for wine, a crisp sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing. For something non-alcoholic, try a homemade lemonade. It’s sweet and tangy, which balances the bread nicely.

Dessert Pairings

After enjoying your bread, you might want something sweet. A simple tiramisu is a fantastic choice, or maybe even some fresh fruit drizzled with honey. If you want to keep it easy, serve it with a scoop of gelato. The creaminess contrasts well with the bread, making for a nice finish to your meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread, store it in a paper bag at room temperature. Plastic bags can make it soggy. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze it. Just pop it in the toaster when you’re ready to eat. It’s almost like fresh again, but maybe not quite.

Prep Time

Getting everything ready usually takes about 20 minutes. That’s just mixing and kneading, so it’s not too bad.

Cook Time

Baking the bread takes around 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, though.

Total Time

If you’re making it all in one day, plan for about 2 to 3 hours total, including resting time. But if you’re fermenting overnight, it’s way more relaxed.

Servings

This recipe usually makes about one loaf, which is perfect for a small gathering or family dinner.

Nutritional Info

This bread has carbs, of course, and a bit of protein from the flour. If you’re counting calories or carbs, just keep that in mind. Not exactly a health food, but it can be part of a balanced meal.

Fun Facts

Did you know that traditional Italian bread doesn’t have fat in the dough? Just flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s all about the simplicity. And every region in Italy has its own twist on bread, which is kind of cool.

Allergen Warnings

This recipe contains gluten, so it’s not suitable for anyone with a gluten allergy. Always check your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

This recipe is vegetarian as is, but if you want to make it vegan, just skip the butter if you choose to brush it on after baking. Everything else is good to go!