Authentic Italian Bread
This Italian bread is soft on the inside with a nice crust. It's great for sandwiches or just slathered with butter. Keep in mind, the prep times below are the bare minimum. For best results, you'll want to allow the dough time to ferment and proof, which can last for a few hours or even a few days.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Oven
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast Make sure it's fresh
- 1 tbsp sugar Helps the yeast activate
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1.5 cups warm water Not too hot, just warm to the touch
- 2 tbsp olive oil For flavor and texture
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until it forms a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. It’s a bit of a workout.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and put it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
- Let it cool before slicing. Or just cut a piece while it’s still warm. No one’s judging.
Notes
This bread can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. It also freezes well, just wrap it up tight.