15 Italian Bread Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Italian bread is a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its soft texture and rich flavor. Making your own Italian bread at home is not only simple, but it also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or just want a fresh loaf for breakfast, there are various recipes to suit your needs.

From classic loaves to crusty artisan varieties, Italian bread offers a perfect foundation for sandwiches or serves as an excellent side for your favorite meals. You will enjoy exploring different ingredients and methods that can elevate your baking skills. Get ready to create delicious bread that will impress your family and friends!

1) Classic Italian Ciabatta

Making classic Italian ciabatta is a rewarding experience. This rustic bread is known for its crispy crust and airy texture. It’s great for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with olive oil.

To start, you will need a biga, which is a type of starter dough. Mix flour, yeast, and water, then let it rise for several hours. This gives your ciabatta its unique flavor.

When you’re ready to make the dough, combine more flour, water, and the biga. Knead until smooth and let rise again. Shape it into loaves and bake in a hot oven until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 ½ cups water (warm)
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the biga by mixing flour, yeast, and water.
2. Cover and let rise for 8-12 hours.
3. In a bowl, mix the biga with more flour, water, and salt.
4. Knead until smooth.
5. Let rise again for about 1 hour.
6. Shape loaves and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.

2) Rustic Tuscan Bread

Rustic Tuscan bread is a staple in Italian cuisine. It has a simple yet delightful flavor that pairs well with many dishes. You can enjoy it alongside soups, cheeses, or even jams.

To make this bread, you will need basic ingredients like flour, salt, water, and yeast. It’s known for its crusty exterior and soft interior.

You can bake it easily at home. This bread is easy to prepare and does not require special machines.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (350ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
6. Shape the dough and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

3) Savory Focaccia with Herbs

Savory focaccia with herbs is a delightful addition to any meal. This Italian bread is soft and flavorful, making it perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches.

To start, gather your ingredients. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add great taste. You can also top your focaccia with garlic for an extra kick.

Next, mix warm water with yeast and let it froth. Add flour, olive oil, and salt to create a dough. Knead it until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size.

Once ready, shape the dough and place it in a baking pan. Dimple the top with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle fresh herbs. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
• Garlic (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
4. Shape the dough into a baking pan.
5. Dimple the top and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on herbs and garlic.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

4) Crusty Pane di Altamura

Pane di Altamura is a traditional Italian bread from the Puglia region. It is known for its golden crust and hearty flavor. This bread is made using durum wheat flour, which gives it a unique texture and taste.

You can enjoy Pane di Altamura with various toppings or as a side with soups and salads. Its crispy exterior and soft inside make it a favorite among bread lovers.

Ingredients

• 4 cups durum wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
6. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

5) Sfincione (Sicilian Pizza Bread)

Sfincione is a delicious Sicilian dish often enjoyed as pizza bread. It has a thicker, bread-like crust, making it different from typical pizza. You can top it with sauce, cheese, and other tasty ingredients.

To begin, you’ll create a dough with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. The dough is then spread in a baking pan. While it rises, you can prepare the sauce using tomatoes, onions, and anchovies for a flavorful kick.

Bake Sfincione in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 1 packet yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 8 anchovies, minced
• Cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.
2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil; stir until it forms a dough.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Spread the dough in a greased baking pan.
7. Prepare sauce by sautéing onions and anchovies; mix with crushed tomatoes.
8. Spread sauce over dough and sprinkle cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

6) Soft and Fluffy Panettone

Making soft and fluffy panettone is a delightful experience. This Italian bread is rich and fragrant, perfect for special occasions. You can enjoy it plain or with your favorite fillings like chocolate or dried fruits.

To start, gather your ingredients. A mix of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and yeast will help you create that fluffy texture everyone loves. Soaking dried fruits in rum or orange juice adds a special touch to the flavor.

The dough needs to rise gently to achieve its airy quality. Once baked, let it cool before slicing. Enjoy this treat with coffee or as a festive dessert.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried fruits or chocolate chunks
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruits in rum or orange juice for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it froth for 5-10 minutes.
3. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
4. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients.
5. Knead until smooth, then gently fold in soaked fruits or chocolate.
6. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
7. Shape the dough into a dome and place it in a prepared pan.
8. Allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes.
10. Cool before serving.

7) Crunchy Pane Carasau

Pane Carasau is a traditional Sardinian flatbread that is known for its crisp texture. It is also called “music bread” because of the sound it makes when you break it. This bread is often enjoyed with a variety of toppings or served alongside meals.

Making Pane Carasau is simple and fun. You can enjoy it as a snack or as part of a larger dish. It pairs well with cheese, meats, or even just a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups semolina flour
• 1½ cups warm water
• 1 packet (¼ ounce) of yeast
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flours and salt.
2. Add yeast to warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Combine the yeast mixture with the flour and mix into a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
6. Divide the dough into small balls and roll thin.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

8) Traditional Pane Toscano

Traditional Pane Toscano is a cherished bread from Tuscany, known for its rustic taste and unique texture. Its crusty exterior hides a soft, airy interior, making it perfect for various dishes.

This bread is made without salt, allowing it to pair well with salty cheeses and cured meats. It’s also great for soaking up soups and stews. You can enjoy it fresh or toasted, and it complements any Italian meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups water (warm)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until bubbly.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and olive oil.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Let cool before slicing and serve.

9) Seeded Semolina Bread

Seeded semolina bread is a delicious treat that adds a lovely texture and flavor to your meals. The semolina flour gives it a unique taste, while the seeds add a crunchy topping.

To make this bread, you’ll mix semolina flour with all-purpose flour. Adding sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top boosts the flavor even more. This bread pairs well with cheeses, meats, or just a little butter.

Let your dough rise properly for a light and airy texture. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 300 grams semolina flour
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 7 grams active dry yeast
• 15 grams sugar
• 300 milliliters warm water
• Sesame or poppy seeds
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough until smooth.
5. Let the dough rise for about an hour until doubled.
6. Shape into loaves and sprinkle with seeds.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
8. Cool before slicing.

10) Sweet Italian Easter Bread

Sweet Italian Easter bread, also known as Pane di Pasqua, is a delightful treat enjoyed during the Easter season. This bread is soft and slightly sweet, making it perfect for celebrating.

You can shape the dough into beautiful wreaths or braids. Baked colored eggs are often included, adding a festive touch to your creation. Sprinkling nonpareils on top gives it a lovely finish.

To make this bread, you will need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and eggs. Gather your ingredients, and let’s start baking!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Nonpareils for decoration

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm milk in a saucepan until butter melts. Let cool.
2. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1 hour).
6. Shape dough and add colored eggs if desired.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

11) Braided Challah with Sesame

Braided challah with sesame seeds is a beautiful bread that is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor complements many dishes.

Start by mixing flour, water, yeast, eggs, and honey to create the dough. Knead it well to develop a soft texture. Let it rise until it doubles in size.

Once risen, divide the dough into sections. Braid the sections together, tucking the ends under. Let your braided loaf rise again until it puffs up.

Before baking, brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
2. Add flour, honey, eggs, and oil to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
4. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
5. Divide the dough and braid it.
6. Let it rise again.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

12) Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia

Garlic and rosemary focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that’s easy to make. Its soft texture and rich flavor are perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it warm with olive oil or as a side with your favorite soup.

To get started, you’ll need simple ingredients like flour, water, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Allow the dough to rise overnight in the fridge. This helps develop better flavor.

Once ready, bake the focaccia until it’s golden brown. The garlic and rosemary infuse the bread with delicious aromas. It’s wonderful for sharing at gatherings or just for a cozy snack at home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until combined.
4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.
5. Cover and let rise in the fridge overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
7. Shape the dough into a rectangle on a baking sheet.
8. Press garlic and rosemary into the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

13) Sun-Dried Tomato Bread

Sun-dried tomato bread is a tasty choice for any meal. The rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes adds a unique twist to traditional bread. You can enjoy it with butter or pair it with soup or salad.

To make this bread, start by mixing warm water and sugar with yeast. Let it sit until it’s frothy. Then, combine flour and salt in a large bowl, adding the yeast mixture.

Next, add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Knead the dough until it’s smooth. Then, let it rise until it doubles in size.

Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This bread goes wonderfully with cheese or as part of an appetizer spread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar; add yeast.
2. Allow the mixture to sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
4. Stir in the yeast mixture and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Knead the dough until smooth.
6. Let it rise until doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the dough for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

14) Olive and Parmesan Bread

Olive and Parmesan bread is a delicious treat that adds a savory touch to your meals. This bread combines the rich flavors of olives with the nutty taste of Parmesan cheese.

To make this bread, you can use a bread machine or bake it by hand. The olive oil helps keep the bread moist while adding flavor. The addition of Parmesan cheese gives it a wonderful, cheesy crust.

You will need just a few ingredients to prepare this delightful dish. It works great as an appetizer or side for soups and salads.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup chopped olives
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, olive oil, olives, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough until smooth, about 10 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, covered, until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool before slicing and enjoy!

15) Whole Wheat Italian Loaf

Making a whole wheat Italian loaf is a rewarding experience. This bread has a nutty flavor and a hearty texture that pairs well with many dishes.

To start, you will need whole wheat flour, yeast, water, salt, and a bit of sugar. The whole wheat flour gives it its distinct taste and gives the bread extra nutrients.

When you mix the ingredients, allow the dough to rise. This usually takes about one hour in a warm place.

Next, shape your dough into a loaf and place it in a baking pan. Brush the top with water and sprinkle a little extra flour for a nice crust.

Bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. The loaf is ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until bubbly.
2. Stir in whole wheat flour and salt.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
4. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.