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Close-up of a slice of A Fresh Italian Bread loaf, showing the crust and airy interior.

Fresh Italian Bread


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 2 hr 20 min
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple recipe for homemade Italian bread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, you can place a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while it preheats.
  • You can add herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 2
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, no-knead bread, artisan bread, baking, bread recipe