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+ servings
Italian Bread

Irresistible Italian Bread: Bake Your Own at Home Today

This homemade Italian bread recipe yields two magnificent loaves, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, elevating any mealtime.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Lukewarm Water about 110°F
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons Yeast fresh
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar or white sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Salt sea or kosher
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning or oregano/basil
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or neutral oil
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour whole wheat can substitute
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 egg Egg
  • 1 tablespoon Water

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. In a stand mixer, combine lukewarm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and all-purpose flour to the mixer. Mix on low speed until a cohesive dough forms, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, divide in half, and shape into loaves. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a shallow dish with water on the lower rack.
  7. Brush each loaf with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water, and score the tops.
  8. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gIron: 5mg

Notes

Ensure yeast is fresh for the best rise. Use steam in the oven for a crunchy crust. Allow cooling before slicing.

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