Are you dreaming of that perfect, crusty Italian loaf but intimidated by the idea of kneading dough? Fear not! This easy Italian bread breadmaker recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor and texture with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought bread. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple, yet satisfying, recipe! It's one of those quick dinner ideas that elevates any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for softer crumb)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In your bread machine pan, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
- Add the olive oil, salt, bread flour, and all-purpose flour (if using) to the yeast mixture.
Step 2: Bread Machine Magic
- Select the "dough" setting on your bread machine. Most machines have a setting specifically for making dough, which handles the kneading process for you. If your machine doesn't have this setting, select a basic setting and manually remove the dough once kneaded.
- Let the machine knead the dough according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Shaping and Rising
- Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the bread machine pan. Lightly flour a clean surface and shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the shaped dough in a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan or a similar sized baking dish. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature for optimal results.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the crust to crisp up and the inside to set.
Tips for the Best Italian Bread:
- Water Temperature: Ensure the water is the correct temperature. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will prevent proper activation.
- Flour Type: Bread flour is crucial for structure and that delightful chewiness. You can experiment with a small portion of whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Second Rise: The second rise in the loaf pan helps the bread achieve its final shape and texture.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents a gummy texture and helps create a crisp crust.
Variations:
- Herbs and Spices: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried oregano, basil, or rosemary to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Incorporate 1-2 cloves of minced garlic for a garlicky twist.
- Cheese: Add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the final kneading stage for cheesy bread.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 2-4g
This delicious Italian bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving with pasta dishes, or enjoying on its own. It’s a true testament to the simple joy of homemade cooking, offering a delightful experience for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy!