Italian Casserole Bread
Savor the comforting flavors of homemade Italian Casserole Bread, a delightful fusion of a soft, airy loaf and rich Italian-seasoned goodness. This rustic bread is elevated with savory Parmesan cheese, fragrant Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic kneaded directly into the dough, while a golden layer of melted mozzarella tops it off. Perfectly baked in a 9-inch casserole dish, this loaf boasts a beautiful round shape and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. With just 20 minutes of prep time and straightforward instructions, it’s an ideal recipe for novice bakers. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves, as a show-stopping centerpiece for your dinner table or a hearty side for soups and pasta dishes. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this Italian Casserole Bread is a surefire way to bring comforting, bakery-style flavor to your home kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
Add salt, olive oil, and 1.5 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough is no longer sticky, transfer it to a floured surface for kneading.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes if using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round casserole dish or deep baking dish.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Flatten it slightly and knead in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish lightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool in the casserole dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Italian Casserole Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2137 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.7 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.8 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 3938 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 342.7 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 90.6 g | 181% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1320 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 628 mg | 13% | |
*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.
