Italian Bread Recipe
Italian bread has a long history dating back to ancient Rome, where bread was a daily necessity for the population. The art of bread-making in Italy evolved over centuries, influenced by regional ingredients and techniques.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
- Dough scraper (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- n a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
- Lightly oil the mixing bowl and place the dough back into the bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a long, oval loaf. If you prefer a round loaf, you can shape it into a ball instead.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly dusted with cornmeal. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an empty baking dish or pan on the lower rack of the oven. This will be used to create steam, which helps achieve a crisp crust.
- Before placing the dough in the oven, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. This helps the bread expand properly as it bakes.
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Pour a cup of hot water into the empty baking dish on the lower rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Italian bread with butter, olive oil, or as a side to your favorite Italian dishes.