Italian Bread

Name: Italian Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 loaves (12 pieces each)
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each)

Test Kitchen Approved

A basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into two 12-in.-long loaves; taper ends. Place each loaf seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle loaves with additional flour. With a sharp knife, make three 1/2-in. deep slashes across top of each loaf. Bake until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 106 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Recipe Creator

Community Cook