19 Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
In addition to being delicious, crusty Italian bread is also surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate the taste and texture of your favorite bakery bread right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginners or experienced bakers looking for a quick and easy bread option. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering crusty Italian bread!
Main Ingredients: Onions, Olive Oil, Garlic, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato
This classic Italian-American dish is a perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, nestled between two slices of crusty Italian bread and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It's a comfort food favorite that never fails to impress.
The key to a good meatball sandwich is the bread. A crusty Italian loaf is the best choice, providing the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. Toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich will give it an even better texture.
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Steamed Mussels in Spicy Tomato-Wine Broth with Crusty...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sliced Shallots, Garlic, White Wine, Chopped
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to the traditional meatball sandwich, try this delicious dish of steamed mussels in a spicy tomato-wine broth. Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping and you won't be disappointed.
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How To Make Italian Baked Chicken Thighs Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Whole Fennel Seed, Kosher Salt, Dried Oregano, Dried
This classic Italian dish features tender chicken thighs baked in a savory tomato sauce with mushrooms, onions, and herbs. It's a simple and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with a side of crusty 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 must-try for any meat lover. Layers of ham, salami, and pepperoni are piled high on a crusty roll, topped with provolone cheese, and then toasted to perfection. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
A twist on the classic French onion soup, this Italian version features caramelized onions, beef broth, and a splash of red wine. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread and melted cheese on top for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Ciambotta (Italian Vegetable Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Celery Ribs, Fingerling Potatoes
This hearty stew is packed with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers, along with chunks of Italian sausage. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
This mouthwatering garlic bread is loaded with melted cheese and topped with a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Pull-apart pieces of bread make it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
Similar to the garlic bread above, this cheesy pull-apart bread features a variety of Italian cheeses for a delicious and gooey treat. Serve it alongside your favorite Italian dish for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup
Main Ingredients: White Beans, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Sweet Onion
This soup is a great way to use up stale bread. The bread is soaked in a flavorful tomato broth and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. It's a simple and comforting dish that will warm you up on a cold day.
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Panzanella Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Red Onion, Fresh Basil Leaves, Extra Virgin
This refreshing salad is a popular summer dish in Tuscany, featuring ripe tomatoes, chunks of bread, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. It's a great way to use up stale bread and enjoy the flavors of summer.
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Boozy Bread Pudding
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Eggs, Milk, Half And Half
This indulgent dessert features cubes of crusty bread soaked in a rich custard and baked with a splash of your favorite Italian liqueur. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Cooked Shredded Chicken, Medium Red Onion
Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this BBQ chicken version. Tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese all sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread and grilled to perfection.
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Garlic Croutons
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Crusty Italian Bread, Garlic, Crushed Red
These homemade croutons are a great way to add some extra flavor and crunch to your salads and soups. Toss them in some olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and bake until crispy for a delicious and versatile topping.
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Bacon Avocado Toast
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Bacon, Avocado, Lime, Garlic
This breakfast or brunch dish is a delicious twist on the classic avocado toast. Crispy bacon, ripe avocado, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning make for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Deveined Shrimp, Olive Oil, Water, Extra Virgin Olive
This hearty seafood stew is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. It features a variety of seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth and served with slices of crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
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Parmesan Rind
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs, Garlic
Don't throw away your Parmesan cheese rind! Save them and add them to soups and stews for an extra boost of flavor. You can also use them to infuse olive oil for a delicious and fragrant dressing for salads and bread.
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Sandwich: Classic Meatball Sub
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese
We couldn't leave out the classic meatball sub from this list. Tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese all nestled in a crusty roll make for a delicious and filling sandwich that never goes out of style.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Strata
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Whole Milk, Garlic Salt, Crusty Italian Bread
This savory breakfast dish features layers of crusty bread, eggs, cheese, and pepperoni, baked until golden and bubbly. It's perfect for a crowd and can be prepared the night before for an easy morning meal.
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Rainbow Panzanella
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This colorful salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, chunks of crusty bread, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, it's a perfect side dish for any summer gathering.
The Secret to Perfect Crust
One of the key components of a good crusty Italian bread is a perfectly crisp and crunchy crust. So what's the secret to achieving this? The answer lies in steam. Just like professional bakeries, you can create steam in your home oven by placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack while the bread is baking. This steam will help create a moist environment in the oven, allowing the bread to develop a crispy crust. Another tip is to lightly brush the bread with water before placing it in the oven, which will also contribute to the crust's texture.
Choosing the Right Flour
The type of flour you use can greatly affect the outcome of your crusty Italian bread. In this recipe, we recommend using bread flour as it has a higher protein content, which results in a chewier and more elastic dough. This will give your bread a better structure and help it develop a crispy crust. You can also mix in a small amount of whole wheat flour for added flavor and texture.
Adding Flavors and Toppings
While a classic crusty Italian bread is delicious on its own, you can also add in some extra flavors and toppings to make it even more special. Try mixing in Italian herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme into the dough before baking. You can also sprinkle some sea salt or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Enjoy Your Homemade Crusty Italian Bread
With this easy recipe, you can enjoy fresh and delicious crusty Italian bread whenever you want. Serve it warm with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, or use it to make your favorite sandwiches. The possibilities are endless and your taste buds will thank you. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your homemade crusty Italian bread? Your kitchen will smell amazing and your stomach will be satisfied. Buon appetito!
