Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Bread is incredibly versatile. The soft, chewy interior and slightly crisp crust make it perfect for everything from dipping in olive oil to making hearty sandwiches. It’s also incredibly easy to make—there’s no need for fancy ingredients or equipment. This homemade version tastes far superior to store-bought bread and fills your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Plus, it’s a great bread to slice and use for bruschetta or garlic bread.
Ingredients
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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1 1/4 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for added flavor)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
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Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning (if using). Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough dry.
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Let the dough rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased surface. You can also place it in a loaf pan if you prefer a more uniform shape.
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Let it rise again: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up again.
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Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also brush the top of the dough with a little olive oil before baking for an extra golden finish.
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Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8-10 slices
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding rising time)
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: 2-3 hours (including rising time)
Variations
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Garlic Italian Bread: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough for a fragrant, savory twist. You can also brush the finished loaf with garlic butter after baking.
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Herb-Infused Italian Bread: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a more aromatic flavor.
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Cheese-Topped Italian Bread: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the top of the loaf during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
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Whole Wheat Italian Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, healthier bread.
Storage/Reheating
Italian bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a plastic bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in warm water.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give the bread a slightly chewier texture, which is perfect for Italian bread. Just be aware that it may require slightly more water.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer or dough hook?
Yes! Kneading by hand works just as well as using a stand mixer. Just make sure to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
How can I get a crispy crust on my bread?
To get a crispy crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam. Alternatively, you can mist the bread with water before placing it in the oven.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the mixing and rising steps. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer, and set it to the dough setting. Once the dough has risen, shape it and bake it in the oven.
Conclusion
Italian Bread is the epitome of rustic, homemade goodness. With a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread makes a perfect addition to any meal, from pasta dishes to soups or as a standalone snack with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it easy to bake, even for beginners. Whether you serve it with dinner or enjoy it as a snack, this homemade Italian bread is sure to be a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread and the joy of homemade perfection!
Italian Bread
Italian Bread is a classic, rustic loaf with a slightly crispy crust and soft, airy interior. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for serving with pasta, soups, or just enjoying on its own with olive oil. With simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, it’s a versatile, flavorful bread that will impress at any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the bread:
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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1 1/4 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
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Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
-
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and Italian seasoning (if using). Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to form.
-
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if necessary, but don’t overdo it to avoid a dry dough.
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Let the dough rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, coating it with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough, then shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Optionally, brush the top with olive oil before baking for a golden finish.
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Cool the bread: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Garlic Italian Bread: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist. Brush with garlic butter after baking.Herb-Infused Italian Bread: Incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for added flavor.Cheese-Topped Italian Bread: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.Whole Wheat Italian Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, healthier loaf.
