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Italian Bread

Italian Bread

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Italian Bread recipe delivers a soft, flavorful loaf with a tender crumb and lightly crisp crust. Made with simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, it is perfect for sandwiches, toasting, dipping, or enjoying warm with plant-based butter. Suitable for all skill levels, it brings the authentic taste and aroma of traditional Italian bakery bread into your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp natural sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp natural olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the water until comfortably warm to the touch. Pour it into a bowl, add the active dry yeast and natural sugar, then stir gently. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sea salt evenly.
  3. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Make a well in the flour mixture center, slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or hands until a soft dough ball forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for the ideal texture.
  5. Let the dough rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  6. Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough and shape into one or two loaves. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover, and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Bake your Italian Bread: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool and enjoy: Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling sets the crumb and improves slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh active dry yeast for consistent rising.
  • Maintain water temperature between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate yeast.
  • Kneading properly develops gluten, resulting in better texture.
  • Allow full rising times for enhanced flavor and crumb.
  • Preheat your oven fully for a crisp crust.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Italian Bread, homemade bread, soft bread, bakery-style bread, plant-based bread

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/italian-bread/