Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of homemade Italian bread, featuring a chewy crust and soft, airy interior. This classic loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a delightful side to your favorite dishes. With just seven simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this versatile bread will elevate any meal. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add 2 cups of flour, olive oil, and salt to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes (or mix on medium speed for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Punch down the risen dough on a floured surface, shape it into a batard (12 inches long), and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Make shallow slits on top of the loaf using a sharp knife. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg