The KitchenAid stand mixer is a staple in every baker's kitchen. With its powerful motor and versatile attachments, it can handle any recipe with ease. But did you know that it's also the key to making the best Italian bread? This recipe combines traditional techniques with modern tools to create a loaf that is crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Make your next loaf of Italian bread with your trusty KitchenAid mixer for a delicious and authentic result.
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The first step in making the best Italian bread is to create the biga, a starter dough that adds flavor and complexity to the bread. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 8-24 hours.
After the biga has fermented, it's time to make the bread dough. In the bowl of your KitchenAid mixer, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the ingredients come together.
Once the dough starts to form, increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky or more water if it's too dry.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased Dutch oven. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F and place a cast iron skillet on the bottom rack. Once the dough has risen, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and carefully place it in the hot skillet. Spray the top of the dough with water and cover the skillet with the lid.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
With your KitchenAid mixer by your side, you can easily make your own delicious Italian bread at home. The biga gives the bread a deep flavor and the Dutch oven creates a perfect crust. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil or use it to make a mouthwatering panini. Add this recipe to your collection and impress your family and friends with your Italian bread-making skills.
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