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Simple Italian Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Simple Italian Bread Recipe yields a golden, crusty loaf with a soft, chewy interior. Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or making bruschetta, this homemade bread combines basic pantry ingredients with easy steps, including yeast activation, kneading, two rises, and baking to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Topping

  • 1 egg (for brushing)
  • 2 tsp seasoning of your choice (e.g., garlic salt, Italian seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. If using a mixer, use the slowest stir setting to combine ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead Dough: Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix with a dough hook or knead by hand until a rough dough forms, about 10 minutes in a stand mixer or slightly longer by hand, until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
  4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Fold and roll the dough into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking.
  8. Prepare Loaf for Baking: Whisk the egg and make diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Brush the egg wash over the top for a crispy, shiny crust and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning.
  9. Bake: Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow, indicating it is fully baked.
  10. Cool: Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to complete the cooking process and enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • This bread pairs wonderfully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
  • Use it for bruschetta, garlic bread, or sandwiches.
  • Great accompaniment to soups and stews as a dipping bread.
  • For variation, try different herbs or seeds as seasoning on top.

Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, crusty bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread at home

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/simple-italian-bread-recipe/