What’s the difference between Italian bread and French bread?

While both have delicious crusts, crusty Italian bread usually contains olive oil, which gives it a richer flavor and a slightly softer texture inside. French bread, like baguettes, tends to be leaner and crustier all around.

Can I freeze crusty bread without losing the crunch?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in foil, then place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, reheat the loaf in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. It brings the crunch right back—like magic.

Is a pizza oven necessary for an authentic bake?

Not at all. While a pizza oven can create that blistered crust and smoky flavor, your regular oven works just fine. Just use a pizza stone or Dutch oven and remember to add steam. It’s the steam that gives crusty Italian bread its signature crackle.

Crusty Italian Bread: Easy Rustic Recipe Guide

Description

This crusty Italian bread recipe is an easy, no-knead, rustic loaf with a golden crunchy crust and soft, airy inside. Made with just four basic ingredients and no fancy tools, it’s perfect for dipping, sandwich-making, or pairing with soups and olive oil. It brings the comforting, old-world taste of Italy into your kitchen with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 tsp sea salt
1.5 cups warm water
2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
Semolina or cornmeal (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast until combined.
Add the warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rise for 2–3 hours until doubled in size.
Flour a surface and gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Avoid kneading.
Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
Let it rest on parchment or a pizza peel while the oven preheats.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone or Dutch oven inside. Add a dish of water for steam.
Carefully place the dough into the hot oven and bake for 30–45 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain the crust.

Notes

Let the bread cool fully to keep the crust crispy.
Store in a paper bag or wrap in a kitchen towel—avoid plastic.
For extra crispiness, cool it in the oven with the door slightly open.
Use a Dutch oven for a guaranteed crispy crust without needing extra steam.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT40M
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 195
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 295mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: crusty Italian bread, rustic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, no-knead bread, Italian loaf, vegan bread