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Fresh homemade white bread on wooden cutting board, sliced and ready to serve. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Italian Bread Recipe

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly dark hair sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.Amy Golden
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course bread, Breakfast
Cuisine Italian
Servings 16 servings
Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups lukewarm water about 100°F
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 5 1/4 cups bread flour plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 egg white lightly beaten

Instructions
 

  • Stir the yeast into 1/2 cup of the warm water. Let it proof until foamy.
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  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture, remaining 1 1/2 cups water, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix using a dough hook on a low speed until a dough forms.
    Cream cheese, flour, and milk mixture for cheesecake filling preparation.
  • Knead with the mixer for 7 minutes, or transfer to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour at a time until it is easier to work with.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
    Soft dough resting in a stainless steel mixing bowl for baking bread or rolls.
  • Punch down the dough, shape it into an oval loaf with tapered ends, and place on a prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
    Flour-dusted bread dough on baking sheet, ready for baking or proofing.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a metal baking pan on the lowest rack.
  • Brush the loaf with beaten egg white and make a lengthwise slash about 1/4-inch deep.
  • Pour 1 cup of water into the metal pan in the oven to create steam. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
    Soft bread dough rising in oven on parchment paper.
  • Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 296mgFiber: 1g
Keyword Italian Bread
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