Italian Bread Loaf
Bring the rustic charm of Italy to your kitchen with this traditional Italian Bread Loaf recipe, a timeless favorite perfect for any occasion. Crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and a touch of cornmeal for that signature golden crust, this bread is irresistibly soft on the inside with a delicately crisp exterior. The dough rises twice for perfect texture and flavor, while a sprinkle of artisan scoring adds a beautiful, professional touch. Whether you're pairing it with hearty soups, creating the ultimate sandwich, or serving it alongside a savory plate of pasta, this homemade loaf transforms any meal into a Tuscan feast. With just 20 minutes of prep and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will turn even beginner bakers into seasoned pros.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy to activate the yeast.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once doubled, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
Cover it loosely with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create shallow cuts.
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2094 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.8 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4732 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 386.0 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 53.9 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 69 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 23.1 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 690 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
