Best 4 Fluffy Italian Bread Recipes

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In the realm of delectable baked goods, Italian bread stands tall as a testament to culinary artistry. Its fluffy texture, tantalizing aroma, and crispy crust have captivated taste buds for centuries. If you seek to embark on a culinary adventure, we present you with a collection of three exceptional Italian bread recipes that will transform your kitchen into a haven of heavenly aromas.

1. **Classic Italian Bread**: Immerse yourself in the simplicity and elegance of this timeless recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples, you'll craft a loaf that embodies the essence of Italian bread: a crisp exterior yielding to a soft, airy crumb. This versatile bread pairs perfectly with hearty soups, rich stews, or simply a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

2. **Garlic Knots**: Prepare to be enchanted by these addictive little bundles of garlicky goodness. This recipe transforms simple pizza dough into delectable knots brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with a blend of herbs. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a delightful snack, these garlic knots will vanish before your eyes.

3. **Focaccia Bread**: Experience the rustic charm of focaccia bread, a flatbread that embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine. With its dimpled surface and generous drizzle of olive oil, focaccia is a delightful canvas for your creativity. Top it with an array of herbs, roasted vegetables, or cured meats for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAMA D'S ITALIAN BREAD



Mama D's Italian Bread image

This is a basic delicious Italian bread.

Provided by Christine Darrock

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 2h50m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon salt
7 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.
  • Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
  • Beat in the salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until as soft and smooth as a bambino's behind. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let double in size. (I put it in the oven with the light on - perfect rising temperature.)
  • Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise.
  • Once doubled again, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with corn meal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.
  • Once risen, mist with water and place in a preheated 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) oven. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake. Bread is done when golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.9 calories, Carbohydrate 18.8 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.6 g, Sodium 194.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

MOM'S ITALIAN BREAD



Mom's Italian Bread image

I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. -Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 106 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 197mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

ITALIAN BREAD USING A BREAD MACHINE



Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine image

Wonderful Italian bread made in a bread machine then baked in the oven.

Provided by Destiny

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 ⅓ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Steps:

  • Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
  • Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.5 calories, Carbohydrate 20.6 g, Cholesterol 9.3 mg, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 178.9 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

ITALIAN BREAD



Italian Bread image

My family laughs at me when I tell them that this poor dough never has a change for an hour, but it makes up for all that punching down with its texture and good taste. My mother-in-law taught me how to make this bread...now the recipe's been passed down to my daughter and two granddaughters.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons shortening
1 tablespoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
8 to 10 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add the sugar, shortening, salt, egg, remaining water and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place seam side down on greased baking sheets., With a sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , Bake at 350° for 37-42 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Brush with butter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 227mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your bread.
  • Make sure your water is warm enough. The ideal temperature is between 105°F and 115°F (40°C and 45°C). If the water is too cold, the yeast won't activate properly. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place. The ideal temperature for rising dough is between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C). A warm environment will help the yeast grow and produce gas, which will make your bread light and fluffy.
  • Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make it tough and dense. Knead the dough just until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven. This will help the bread rise evenly and prevent it from becoming too dense.

Conclusion:

Making fluffy Italian bread at home is a rewarding experience. With a little practice, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian bread that your family and friends will love. So next time you're craving some homemade bread, give this recipe a try.

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