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Italian Bread

Italian Bread

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Plant-based

Description

Discover delicious homemade Italian Bread made with simple pantry staples and plant-based ingredients. This recipe yields a perfect balance of a crisp crust and tender crumb, ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying fresh with olive oil. Customize with herbs, seeds, or plant-based cheese blends for a flavorful treat that fills your home with the joyful aroma of baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (100°F to 110°F)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey (natural)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water mixed with a touch of honey or sugar (natural). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil (natural). Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, ensuring the bread becomes chewy and light once baked.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough gently to remove excess air, shape into a loaf or rolls, place on a baking tray, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape, then bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Cool down and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a rack before slicing to preserve crustiness and savor fresh homemade Italian Bread.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients carefully to ensure consistent dough texture.
  • Use warm water between 100°F and 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
  • Allow the dough to fully double in size for the best texture and flavor.
  • Scoring the loaf helps the bread bake evenly and adds an authentic look.
  • Baking on a preheated stone or tray creates a crispy base similar to traditional ovens.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, plant-based bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, soft bread

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