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.
MAMA D'S ITALIAN BREAD
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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