18 Basic Italian Loaf Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

Ingredients

Bread Flour

The key to a perfect Italian loaf is using the right type of flour. Bread flour, also known as strong flour, has a higher gluten content than all-purpose flour, making it ideal for bread baking. The extra gluten gives the bread a chewy texture and helps it rise higher. Using high-quality, unbleached bread flour will ensure that your Italian loaf has the perfect texture and flavor.

Yeast

Yeast is what makes bread rise and gives it its airy and light texture. For this recipe, we recommend using active dry yeast, which needs to be activated in warm water before adding it to the flour mixture. This will ensure that the yeast is alive and active, giving your Italian loaf the perfect rise.

Salt

While salt may seem like a simple ingredient, it plays a crucial role in bread baking. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps control the fermentation process and strengthens the gluten in the dough. Be sure to use fine sea salt for this recipe, as it will distribute evenly in the dough and enhance the flavor of your Italian loaf.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in Italian cooking and is a key ingredient in this recipe. It adds moisture and flavor to the bread, making it soft and delicious. Using extra virgin olive oil will give your Italian loaf a rich and fruity flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bread.

Instructions

Mixing the Dough

To make the dough, combine the bread flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Then, add in the olive oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth and elastic ball.

Kneading the Dough

Kneading is an essential step in bread making as it helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving the bread its structure and texture. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for you.

Rising and Shaping the Dough

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Then, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking the Bread

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Score the top of the bread with a sharp knife and brush it with some olive oil. This will give your Italian loaf a beautiful golden crust. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Enjoying Your Italian Loaf

Once the bread is baked, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it. This will ensure that the bread has a chance to set and will prevent it from becoming soggy. Serve the Italian loaf warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings or alongside a delicious Italian meal. Buon appetito!