Description
A golden, crusty loaf with a soft and chewy inside—this classic Italian bread is perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or served alongside soups and pastas. Simple ingredients come together to create a bakery-style loaf right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 4 cups (480 g) bread flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and Proof: Punch down dough and shape into a long loaf. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Score loaf with a sharp knife. Brush with egg wash. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and Slice: Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For extra crunch, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
- Add Italian herbs (oregano, rosemary) into the dough for a flavored loaf.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
