How to Make Homemade Italian Bread: Crispy, Soft, and Irresistible

Make homemade Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Easy recipe with simple ingredients, perfect for any meal or occasion.

Few things are more satisfying than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and this homemade Italian bread recipe delivers that and more. With a golden, crispy crust and a soft, pillowy interior, this bread is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it warm with butter, this recipe is versatile, simple, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Italian Bread Recipe

Bread Machine-Friendly: The dough preparation is straightforward with the help of a bread machine, making it a stress-free baking project.

Crispy and Golden Crust: Brushing the loaves with an egg wash gives them a beautiful, golden finish and a satisfyingly crisp crust.

Soft Interior: The inside is light, airy, and perfect for soaking up soups, sauces, or olive oil.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this bread is easy to whip up any time.

This recipe makes two loaves of delicious Italian Bread. If you only need one, simply cut the recipe in half and follow the instructions the same or bake them both and freeze one loaf. I like to share my extra loaf with friends and family. They seem to appreciate it too. 🙂

Ingredients for homemade italian bread:

  • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for the bread, creating a soft yet sturdy texture.
  • Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast, creating a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor and strengthens the dough.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and keeps the bread moist.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives the bread its signature rise.
  • Egg Wash: Brushing the loaves with an egg wash creates a shiny, golden crust.
  • Cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a rustic touch to the bottom of the loaves.

Instructions:

  • Step 1 Place flour, honey, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
  • Step 2 Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Step 3 In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture.
  • Step 4 Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Baking Essentials with Azure Standard

Stocking your pantry with quality ingredients is key to perfecting any bread recipe. For this Italian bread, I recommend sourcing your baking essentials from Azure Standard

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: For soft and airy loaves.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil enhances the bread’s richness.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Ensures a reliable rise every time.

Click here to shop these essentials and elevate your homemade baking!

Want some more delicious bread recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Italian Bread

  • Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool slightly to avoid squishing the soft interior when slicing.
  • Temperature Matters: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Don’t Overhandle the Dough: Handle the dough gently to preserve the air bubbles created during rising.
  • Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaves; they should sound hollow when done.

Ways to Enjoy Homemade Italian Bread

  • Dipping: Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple appetizer.
  • Sandwiches: Slice for sandwiches or paninis.
  • Pasta Night: Pair with your favorite pasta dishes for a complete meal.
  • French Toast: Use day-old bread for a decadent breakfast treat.

This homemade Italian bread recipe is a simple yet impressive addition to your baking repertoire. With its rustic charm and incredible flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to deliver delicious results.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your beautiful loaves!

Homemade Italian Bread

Ingredients

  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1⅓ cups warm water 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 .25 ounce package active dry yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Instructions

  • Place flour, honey, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
  • Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

I love to bake, but I am completely aware that I am nowhere “professional” with my photos. My hope is that it inspires you to use what you have and start where you are…professional or not.

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2 Comments

  1. So I got rid of my bread machine. Can I do this without the machine? Saw on says punch down dough. Just kneed it good and let rise then punch down and form my loaves ?

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