Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Best Homemade Italian Bread (Soft, Fluffy & No-Fail Recipe!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 5, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Two loaves of rustic bread on a wooden board with olive oil, rosemary, and salt. Warm, cozy setting with soft lighting.

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of Homemade Italian Bread baking in the oven — golden crust, soft center, and that warm, yeasty aroma that fills the whole kitchen.

This simple, no-fuss recipe gives you loaves that are tender inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and perfect for dipping, slicing, or sandwich-making. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a big family meal, fresh Italian bread makes every dish taste a little more special.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Rise Time: 1 hour Bake Time: 25 minutes Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
3–3½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the Dough: Stir in salt, olive oil, and 2 cups flour. Gradually add more flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides.
Knead: Turn onto a floured surface and knead about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled).
Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape into 2 logs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise & Bake: Cover for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 400°F. Brush tops with olive oil and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool: Let rest on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with my Homemade Lasagna — perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
Serve alongside Italian Meatballs or Chicken Parmesan for a true Italian-style dinner.
Dip slices into Homemade Marinara Sauce or pair with Soups & Stews for a cozy night in.

Tips for Perfect Bread

Use warm (not hot) water — too hot kills yeast.
Don’t over-flour; slightly sticky dough = soft bread.
For a crustier loaf, brush with water before baking and again halfway through.
Add garlic or herbs to the dough for flavor variations.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, you can knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Q: Why didn’t my bread rise?

Your yeast may be old, or the water was too hot or too cold. Water should be around 105–110°F.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes — let the dough rise, shape it, then refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.

Q: How do I get the crust golden and crispy?

Brush the loaf with water or egg wash and place a baking pan of water on the bottom rack for steam.

Q: How long does homemade Italian bread stay fresh?

It stays soft for 2–3 days at room temperature. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Best Homemade Italian Bread is a wonderful recipe for beginner bakers who want reliable, satisfying results without complicated steps. The dough is simple to work with, forgiving, and bakes up with a beautifully crisp crust and soft interior every time. Whether it’s your first loaf or your fiftieth, this cozy, homemade bread builds confidence and makes baking from scratch feel easy and rewarding.