Description
This soft Italian Bread recipe offers an easy way to bake fresh, tender bread with a light crust and classic flavor using simple pantry staples. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite meals, this homemade loaf brings bakery-quality bread to your kitchen with straightforward steps suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Warm Water (100-110°F)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Yeast Mixture: Dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and extra virgin olive oil (natural). Stir together until dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, with the dough springing back when pressed.
- First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape into a classic Italian loaf or rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake to Perfection: Bake bread for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. For a crisp crust, place a small pan of water in the oven to create steam.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set and achieve a soft, airy texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 100-110°F to properly activate yeast.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for the best texture.
- Check yeast freshness to ensure proper rising.
- Allow sufficient rising time for flavor and texture development.
- Create steam in the oven by placing a small tray of water beneath the bread during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, soft bread, bread recipe, easy bread, baking bread, fresh bread
