20 Best Recipe For Crusty Italian Bread They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Are you craving a warm and crusty loaf of Italian bread to accompany your next meal? Look no further, because we have the perfect recipe for you. This simple and easy-to-follow recipe will have you indulging in the irresistible aroma and delicious taste of homemade crusty Italian bread in no time. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic and professional-quality bread.
Main Ingredients: Onions, Olive Oil, Garlic, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato
A classic Italian dish, meatball sandwiches are a hearty and delicious option for any meal. To make this dish, start by making your own meatballs with a combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs. Once the meatballs are cooked, place them on a crusty Italian bread roll and top with your choice of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then enjoy your homemade meatball sandwich.
No Italian meal is complete without a side of crusty Italian bread. This bread is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients, including flour, yeast, and olive oil. The key to achieving that perfect crust is to bake the bread in a hot oven with a pan of water to create steam. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Serve with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
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Steamed Mussels in Spicy Tomato-Wine Broth with Crusty...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sliced Shallots, Garlic, White Wine, Chopped
For a twist on the classic steamed mussels dish, try adding a spicy tomato-wine broth and serving it with crusty Italian bread. The broth is made with tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. Dip the bread into the broth to soak up all the delicious flavors.
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How To Make Italian Baked Chicken Thighs Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Whole Fennel Seed, Kosher Salt, Dried Oregano, Dried
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful chicken dish, try making Italian baked chicken thighs cacciatore. This dish combines chicken thighs, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives in a savory sauce. The chicken is baked in the oven until tender and then served with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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The Sicilian Italian Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Lemon Zest, Olive Oil, Ham, Prosciutto
This sandwich is a delicious combination of soppressata, capicola, provolone cheese, and giardiniera on a crusty Italian roll. The meats and cheese are layered on the bread and then topped with the tangy and spicy giardiniera for a flavorful kick. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
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Ciambotta (Italian Vegetable Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Celery Ribs, Fingerling Potatoes
Ciambotta is a hearty and comforting Italian vegetable stew filled with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. The vegetables are simmered in a flavorful broth made with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Italian version of french onion soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. Start by caramelizing onions in a pot, then add beef broth, red wine, and Italian herbs. Top with a slice of crusty Italian bread and shredded mozzarella cheese, then broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
This cheesy pull apart bread is a delicious and shareable appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. Start by slicing a loaf of crusty Italian bread into cubes, then stuff with a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy, then enjoy pulling apart the cheesy bread with your friends and family.
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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
This twist on traditional garlic bread takes it to the next level with the addition of melted mozzarella cheese. Start by slicing a loaf of crusty Italian bread and spreading it with a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, then pull apart and enjoy.
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Boozy Bread Pudding
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Eggs, Milk, Half And Half
This sweet and indulgent dessert is made with crusty Italian bread, eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and bourbon. The bread is soaked in the mixture and then baked until golden and crispy. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and boozy treat.
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Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup
Main Ingredients: White Beans, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Sweet Onion
This hearty soup is made with a base of tomatoes, chicken broth, white beans, and vegetables. The soup is thickened with pieces of crusty Italian bread and then topped with parmesan cheese for a rich and comforting meal. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
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Panzanella Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Red Onion, Fresh Basil Leaves, Extra Virgin
Panzanella is a summer salad that is made with chunks of crusty Italian bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs. The bread soaks up the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, creating a flavorful and refreshing salad. Serve as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Garlic Croutons
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Crusty Italian Bread, Garlic, Crushed Red
Homemade garlic croutons are a delicious and easy way to add a crunch to any salad or soup. Simply slice crusty Italian bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and bake in the oven until crispy. These croutons are also great for snacking on their own.
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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Cooked Shredded Chicken, Medium Red Onion
For a twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, try making BBQ chicken grilled cheese. Start by layering shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese on a slice of crusty Italian bread. Top with another slice of bread and grill in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
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Parmesan Rind
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs, Garlic
Don't throw away your parmesan rinds! These can be used to add a rich and savory flavor to soups and stews. Simply add the rinds to the pot while cooking and remove before serving. The rinds will melt into the dish, adding a depth of flavor.
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Bacon Avocado Toast
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Bacon, Avocado, Lime, Garlic
This simple and delicious breakfast or snack option is made with slices of crusty Italian bread, mashed avocado, and crispy bacon. Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This toast is a great way to start your day or enjoy as a midday snack.
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Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Deveined Shrimp, Olive Oil, Water, Extra Virgin Olive
This seafood stew is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Made with a variety of seafood such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and white fish, this stew is simmered in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, wine, and herbs. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up the juices.
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Sandwich: Classic Meatball Sub
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese
A classic meatball sub is a delicious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Start by making homemade meatballs with a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Place the meatballs on a crusty Italian roll and top with your choice of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
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Spicy Grilled Clams in Foil
Main Ingredients: Clams, Serrano Chiles, Garlic, Green Onions, Tomato
This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ. Simply place clams, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice in foil and grill until the clams open. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
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Three Vegetable Creamy Broccoli Soup
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Florets, Butter, Medium Potatoes, Leek
This creamy and comforting soup is made with a combination of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. The vegetables are simmered in a broth made with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs before being pureed to create a smooth and creamy soup. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The Secret to a Perfect Crusty Italian Bread
Baker's Tip: Use High-Quality Flour
To achieve the perfect crusty texture, it is crucial to use high-quality flour. Look for bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill brands. These flours have a higher gluten content, which is essential for creating a chewy and crusty bread. Avoid using low-quality or bleached flours, as they will not produce the same results.
Let the Dough Rest and Rise
Patience is key when it comes to making crusty Italian bread. After mixing the dough, it is important to let it rest for at least 2 hours. This allows the gluten to develop and the dough to rise, resulting in a light and airy texture. Don't rush this step, as it is crucial for achieving the perfect crusty crust.
The Magic of Steam
One of the secrets to a crusty Italian bread is the use of steam during the baking process. This helps to create a crisp and golden crust. To do this, place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking the bread. The steam will circulate in the oven, creating the perfect environment for a crusty bread.
Don't Skip the Egg Wash
For that shiny and beautiful crust, don't forget to brush the top of the bread with an egg wash before baking. This simple step will give your bread that professional and bakery-style look. To make the egg wash, simply beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it on the bread just before it goes in the oven.
Conclusion
Now that you know the secrets to the perfect crusty Italian bread, it's time to put them into practice. Follow this recipe and impress your loved ones with your baking skills. Remember to use high-quality flour, let the dough rest, use steam, and don't skip the egg wash for the best results. Enjoy your delicious homemade crusty Italian bread!
