Simple Italian Bread Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Loaf

Warm, golden-crusted Italian bread recipe brings the rustic charm of Mediterranean kitchens right to your home.

Soft, pillowy interiors promise a delightful sensory experience with every slice.

Baking this bread connects you to generations of traditional Italian culinary artistry.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen with an irresistible warmth.

Each knead and fold tells a story of passion and simplicity.

Simple ingredients combine to create a masterpiece that speaks volumes about Italian cooking traditions.

You’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make, authentic bread that turns any meal into a celebration.

Storing Italian Bread Without Drying It Out

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Wrap freshly cooled bread in clean kitchen towels to maintain softness and prevent quick drying. Keep at room temperature for optimal taste and texture during the first 2-3 days.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy
• Store sliced Italian bread in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags inside the refrigerator. Consume within 5-7 days for best quality, ensuring minimal moisture and preventing staleness.
• Freezing Master Plan
• Slice bread before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen bread stays delicious up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reviving Stale Bread Technique
• Sprinkle slightly stale bread with water and warm in oven at 300℉ for 3-5 minutes. This method restores moisture and brings back near-fresh texture, making day-old bread taste almost freshly baked.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Homemade Italian Bread

• Whole Milk: Provides richness and helps activate yeast for soft, tender bread texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential living organism that creates bread's signature rise and airy structure.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve ingredients and creates optimal environment for yeast growth.

• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and contributes subtle sweetness to bread's overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture, creates smooth dough texture, and introduces delicate Mediterranean flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary ingredient creating bread's foundational structure and providing classic chewy texture.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds nutty crunch and visual appeal to bread's golden surface.

Essential Bread-Making Tools to Keep Handy

• Stand Mixer: Crucial for mixing and kneading the dough efficiently with its dough hook attachment.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for mixing ingredients and first dough rise.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for warming milk gently.
• Baking Sheets: Two large rimmed sheets for shaping and baking bread loaves.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for preventing bread from sticking to baking sheets.
• Serrated Knife or Lame: Used for scoring bread before baking to create beautiful patterns.
• Clean Dish Towel: Covers loaves during final rise to prevent drying.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for perfect bread.
• Microwave or Measuring Cup: Helpful for heating water and milk to correct temperature.

Learn to Shape and Bake Italian Bread

Warm Milk Activation

Gently heat milk until it feels warm. This wakes up the yeast and starts the bread magic.

Yeast Preparation

Pour warm milk into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast and let it get foamy and alive. This is where the bread begins to breathe.

Dough Creation

Mix hot water, olive oil, sugar, and salt together. Add flour gradually until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead until the texture feels smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place dough in an oiled bowl and let it rest. During this time, the dough will grow and develop delicious flavor. Cover and keep in a cozy spot.

Shaping Adventure

Gently stretch the dough onto a floured surface. Divide into two sections. Create long oval or round shapes by rolling and folding. Each loaf tells its own story.

Final Rise and Baking

Let loaves rest and expand. Slash diagonal lines across the top for beautiful design. Bake in a hot oven until golden brown and crusty. The bread will sing when tapped, signaling it’s perfectly done.

Cooling and Enjoyment

Allow bread to cool slightly. Slice and savor the warm, fragrant result of your baking journey.

Alternate Techniques for Italian Bread Success

• Bread Baker's Secret Weapons: Insider Tips
• Yeast Activation Magic: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (110℉) to wake up yeast perfectly without killing it. Lukewarm liquid helps yeast bloom and create a fluffy texture.
• Dough Consistency Trick: When mixing, watch for a soft, slightly sticky dough. Add flour gradually to prevent a dry, tough bread. The right moisture creates tender, pillowy Italian bread.
• Proofing Power Spot: Choose a draft-free, warm area like a turned-off oven or microwave for rising. Consistent warmth helps dough rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Shape Creativity Corner: Experiment with different bread shapes – traditional long oval, rustic round boule, or braided style. Each shape impacts crust crispness and interior texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Wrap cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel or store in a paper bag to maintain crispness. Avoid plastic, which can make the crust soggy and soft.

Creative Serving Tips for Italian Bread

• Rustic Sandwich Delight: Slice the warm Italian bread and create mouthwatering sandwiches filled with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves for a classic Italian-inspired lunch.
• Dip and Savor: Serve alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a traditional appetizer experience, perfect for breaking bread with friends and family during gatherings.
• Breakfast Bruschetta Bliss: Toast thin slices and top with fresh ricotta, honey, and chopped nuts for a delightful morning treat that transforms your homemade bread into a gourmet breakfast experience.
• Soup's Best Friend: Cut the bread into chunky cubes and use as croutons for hearty soups or tear pieces to soak up rich, flavorful broths, adding texture and warmth to your favorite comfort dishes.