There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house, especially when it’s homemade crusty Italian bread! This recipe creates loaves with a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy inside, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you serve it with pasta, enjoy it as a snack with garlic butter, or slice it for sandwiches, this Italian bread is sure to be a hit with your family. The trick to the perfect crust? A shallow dish of water in the oven to create that authentic crunchy exterior. Trust me, your kitchen will never smell better! 🍞✨
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten) + 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)

Instructions:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until it becomes foamy (this means the yeast is activated).
- Add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and 3 cups of flour. Use the dough hook to mix until a soft dough forms. Gradually add more flour if needed until dough separates from the sides of the bowl.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place (like your oven with the light on) for 30 minutes.
- Punch down dough, divide it in half, and form into two loaves. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush loaves with egg wash and make a long slit down the center of each loaf. Place a shallow dish of water in the oven’s lower rack to help form a crusty exterior.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and the loaves sound hollow when tapped. Let cool on a rack before slicing.
Storage Tips:
Store this Italian bread at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, wrap it in foil or a paper bag. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
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