Italian Bread Recipe
A traditional Italian bread recipe that delivers a crusty golden exterior and a soft, airy interior—perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, and soups. Simple ingredients, authentic flavor, and no fancy tools required.
Print Pin Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 165kcal
Cost: $2–$3
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl For combining and proofing dough
- 1 Bench scraper Helpful for handling and dividing dough
- 1 Baking sheet or stone For even baking
- 1 Instant-Read Thermometer Ensures proper doneness
- 1 Sharp knife or lame For scoring the loaf
- 1 Kitchen scale Optional but ideal for accuracy
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread flour Preferably unbleached
- 1.5 cups Warm water Around 110°F
- 2.25 teaspoon Active dry yeast One standard packet
- 1.5 teaspoon Salt Fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor
- 1 tablespoon Sugar Helps activate yeast
Instructions
- Mix warm water and sugar, sprinkle yeast and let it sit until foamy
- Stir in olive oil, then add flour and salt; mix to form dough
- Knead on floured surface for 8–10 minutes until elastic
- Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours)
- Punch down, shape loaf, and let rise again (30–45 minutes)
- Score top, bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes with water pan for steam
- Cool on rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Serving: 60g | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.4g | Sodium: 290mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 0.8g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1.9mg