Are you craving a delicious, homemade Italian meal but short on time? Look no further! This Bisquick Italian bread recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner, offering all the comforting flavors of Italy without the hours of preparation. This recipe is surprisingly versatile and adaptable to your taste, making it a staple in any busy cook's repertoire. Forget takeout; let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 ounces) Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or a similar-sized baking dish. This simple step ensures your bread doesn't stick and results in a perfect loaf.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and egg until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the liquid ingredients throughout your bread.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the Bisquick baking mix, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Cheese & Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). The cheeses add a delightful richness and the sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of tangy flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Bisquick Italian Bread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread is cooked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Experiment with different Italian herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Add vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a healthier twist.
Variations:
- Meat Lover's Italian Bread: Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or salami to the batter for a heartier bread.
- Vegetarian Italian Bread: Add roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy Italian Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 7-8g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This easy Bisquick Italian bread recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a quick lunch. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to beginner cooks, while its delicious flavor profile will satisfy even the most experienced culinary enthusiast. Enjoy this healthy and delicious homemade meal!