Best 5 Easy Italian Bread Recipes
In the realm of bread baking, few things can compare to the allure of Italian bread. This diverse family of breads, originating from Italy, boasts a rich history, distinct flavors, and textures that have captivated bread enthusiasts worldwide. From the iconic focaccia, with its irresistible crispy crust and airy interior, to the rustic ciabatta, famed for its large holes and chewy texture, Italian bread offers a tantalizing array of options to suit every palate. This article presents a curated collection of easy Italian bread recipes that will guide you in crafting these delectable treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a novice seeking to embark on a culinary adventure, these recipes provide a perfect starting point. So, prepare to indulge in the sensory delights of Italian bread and elevate your next meal or gathering with these authentic and flavorful creations.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
EASY ITALIAN EASTER BREAD
This traditional Easter bread is topped with colored raw eggs, which cook as the bread bakes. It makes for a pretty centerpiece.
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 1h
Yield 1 loaf (20 slices).
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°. Add dry ingredients; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in fruit, almonds and aniseed until blended. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Gently separate ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, in a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with candies if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 169mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
EASY ITALIAN BREAD SALAD
For a fresh-tasting side dish, Kathleen serves Italian Bread Salad. "This pretty blend is a snap to prepare. "For variety add whatever veggies you like, such as green or yellow peppers, zucchini, summer squash or sliced olives," she suggests.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Brush both sides of bread with 1 tablespoon oil. Place on a baking sheet. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Cut into 1-in. cubes. , In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and cheese. Divide among four lettuce-lined salad plates. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, garlic, basil and remaining oil. Drizzle over salads. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 176 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 222mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
EASY ITALIAN CHEESE BREAD
Round out your favorite Italian meal with a buttery loaf of this crusty Italian Cheese Bread from Angie Smith of Clarksville, Tennessee. "The aroma and flavor of this quick and classic side are wonderful," she promises. "We like to dip our slices in olive oil, fresh ground pepper and Parmesan cheese."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Spread butter over cut sides of bread. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Combine the cheese, oregano and garlic salt; sprinkle over bread. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 734mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
EASY ITALIAN BREAD
Make and share this Easy Italian Bread recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chef Glaucia
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h10m
Yield 12 slices, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place all the ingredients in bread machine pan. Process on dough setting.
- At the end of the cycle, remove dough from machine; place it on parchment paper. Punch down dough. Shape dough into baguete-shaped loaf about 12 inches long.
- Place loaf on cornmeal-coated cookie sheet and with sharp knife, make 1 deep lenghtwise slash in top of loaf. Cover; let rise in warm place for about 1 hour.
- Brush loaf with egg white, if desired. Heat oven to 375º F. Bake loaf for 25 to 35 minutes.
- Variation: You can add 1 tsp dark sesame oil to the recipe if you desire. Sprinkle the loaf with same sesame seeds before putting it in the oven.
EASY ITALIAN FOCACCIA BREAD FOR A CROWD
Don't be intimidated by this recipe! It's the easiest and fastest I've ever made! Great for making party sandwiches with my roasted garlic chicken salad and homemade pesto!
Provided by Cheryl Jacobs
Categories Savory Breads
Time 2h25m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. DO NOT PREHEAT OVEN. In a large stoneware bowl, stir flours and salt. Make a well in the center, sprinkle sugar and yeast into well. Carefully pour water into well & let stand till yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes.
- 2. Pour 2 tablespoons oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in center of bowl, gradually widening the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour on the sides. Turn out on floured surface and knead just till smooth. Divide in half. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of oil into two clean bowls, place dough in bowls, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled.
- 3. Punch dough down. Use 1 teaspoon oil to coat a baking sheet and place dough on the center. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon or your fingers to "dimple" the dough at 1 1/2 inch intervals. Sprinkle with rosemary or basil and then cheese. Place in a COLD oven on center shelf. Place a flat pan of very hot water on the shelf below the bread. Let rise until doubled.
- 4. Turn on oven to 375° and bake 20-25 minutes or until browned on top. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 very large loaves
Tips:
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Always check the expiration date of your yeast before using it. Activate the yeast in warm water (105-115°F) with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.
- Knead the Dough Properly: Kneading the dough develops the gluten and helps create a strong bread structure. Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes using a stand mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Properly kneaded dough will result in a light and airy bread.
- Proof the Dough: Proofing allows the dough to rise and develop its flavor. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place (75-85°F) until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, shape it into your desired shape. You can make a classic round loaf, a braided loaf, or even individual rolls. Make sure to pinch the seams of the dough together tightly to prevent it from opening during baking.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature according to the recipe. Place the shaped dough in a greased baking pan or on a baking sheet. Bake until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the bread.
Conclusion:
Italian bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are making a classic sandwich, serving it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or using it as a base for bruschetta, this bread is sure to impress. With careful attention to the ingredients and following the tips mentioned above, you can easily create a perfect loaf of Italian bread at home. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get baking!
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