Description
This classic Italian Bread recipe features simple pantry ingredients and natural flavors to create a warm, crusty loaf with a soft and tender inside. Perfectly suited for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside soups and salads, it is an approachable recipe for bakers of all levels. The bread offers authentic Italian taste enriched with olive oil and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and can be customized with herbs, seeds, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Herbs & Add-ins
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh or dried rosemary, oregano, or thyme
- 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- Sesame or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water with active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for dough rising.
- Mix your dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and natural gelling agent. Slowly add the yeast mixture, olive oil (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir until a loose dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for the desired texture.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough gently, shape it into a loaf or preferred form, and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until light and airy.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally, score the dough surface with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten for ideal texture.
- Allow proper rising times for a light and airy crumb.
- Place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam for a crispier crust.
- Cool the bread completely on a wire rack before slicing to avoid a gummy interior.
- Store bread wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper bag to maintain crustiness for 2-3 days.
- Freeze cooled bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before use.
- Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or toast lightly for crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian Bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread, crusty bread, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil (natural), natural gelling agent
