Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Homemade Italian Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 10 reviews

This Homemade Italian Bread recipe guides you through making a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for sandwiches or dipping into olive oil. With simple ingredients like yeast, olive oil, and flour, this bread has a crisp golden crust and a tender inside, ideal for any Italian-inspired meal or just enjoying warm with butter.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Yeast Mixture

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

Dough

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 1/2 - 3 cups flour

Topping

  • 1 egg white (for brushing on top)

Instructions

  1. Soften yeast: In a large stand mixer, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, 1 1/4 cups warm water, and 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make dough: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well using the mixer. If the dough is sticky, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour, gradually, until the dough forms a soft, manageable consistency.
  3. Cover and rise first time: Remove the dough hook from the mixer and cover the bowl with a clean dish towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, allowing it to double in size.
  4. Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 12 inches long. If sticky, lightly flour the surface or add small increments of flour to ease rolling. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a cylinder shape and transfer it to a cookie sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, placing it seam side down. Using a sharp knife, make 3 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf.
  5. Cover and rise second time: Cover the dough again with the dish towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  7. Brush with egg white: Whisk the egg white until smooth. Brush it evenly over the top of the dough to create a glossy, golden crust when baked.
  8. Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Adjust flour quantities conservatively to avoid dry bread.
  • Letting the bread rest after baking allows the crumb to finish setting properly.
  • Use a sharp knife or bread lame for clean slashes to control swelling during baking.
  • Optional herbs like rosemary or garlic can be added to the dough for additional flavor.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/homemade-italian-bread-recipe/