Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread Recipe

Bake a rustic, hearty loaf of homemade whole wheat Italian bread! This recipe delivers the irresistible crackle of a crusty exterior and the chewy texture of whole wheat on the inside. Perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes. A slightly adapted recipe, ready for you to try!

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 170 mins

Calories 92.4 kcal

Protein 5g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread

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How to Make Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
Place the loaf on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

Fat

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Dish / Dinner Side Dishes European Italian Mediterranean American Healthy Vegetarian Baking

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread?

Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread takes about 200 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 170 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread?

Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread has approximately 92.4 calories per serving, with about 5 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates and 0 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread?

The key ingredients for Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread are Water, Light Brown Sugar, Ground Ginger, Salt, Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour. See the full list with measurements above.