18 Crusty Italian Bread Recipe Without Bread Machine Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
If you're a bread lover, you know that there's nothing quite like a warm, crusty Italian bread fresh out of the oven. The crispy outer layer and soft, chewy inside make for the perfect addition to any meal. However, many bread recipes call for the use of a bread machine, which not everyone has access to. Fear not, because with this recipe, you can achieve that same delicious crusty Italian bread without the need for a bread machine. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some patience, and you'll have a homemade loaf of bread that will impress even the most discerning bread connoisseurs.
Main Ingredients: Onions, Olive Oil, Garlic, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato
Indulge in a classic Italian-American meal with this delicious meatball sandwich recipe. Perfectly seasoned meatballs, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all between two slices of crusty bread. This hearty sandwich is sure to satisfy your craving for comfort food.
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Steamed Mussels in Spicy Tomato-Wine Broth with Crusty...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sliced Shallots, Garlic, White Wine, Chopped
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this flavorful and fragrant dish. Fresh mussels are steamed in a spicy tomato and white wine broth, creating a delicious broth that is perfect for dipping crusty bread into. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion with friends.
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How To Make Italian Baked Chicken Thighs Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Whole Fennel Seed, Kosher Salt, Dried Oregano, Dried
This Italian-inspired chicken dish is sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken thighs are baked in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, creating a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal. Serve with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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The Sicilian Italian Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Lemon Zest, Olive Oil, Ham, Prosciutto
This sandwich is a true taste of the Mediterranean. Layers of cured meats, marinated vegetables, and creamy cheese are stacked high on a crusty Italian roll, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch on the go, this sandwich is a must-try.
Move over, French onion soup, there's a new soup in town. This Italian twist on a classic soup features hearty caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a generous topping of melted provolone cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Ciambotta (Italian Vegetable Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Celery Ribs, Fingerling Potatoes
This rustic Italian stew is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. A medley of vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, are simmered in a flavorful broth until tender. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.
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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
Upgrade your garlic bread game with this cheesy and indulgent version. A loaf of crusty Italian bread is cut into slices and stuffed with garlic, herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden and crispy, this garlic bread is perfect for dipping in soups or serving alongside a pasta dish.
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Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Cloves
This pull-apart bread is a cheese lover's dream come true. A loaf of crusty Italian bread is stuffed with a mixture of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creating a gooey and indulgent treat. Perfect for sharing at a party or as a side dish to your favorite Italian meal.
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Boozy Bread Pudding
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Eggs, Milk, Half And Half
Take your bread pudding to the next level with this boozy and indulgent version. Cubes of crusty Italian bread are soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and amaretto liqueur, creating a rich and flavorful bread pudding. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
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Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup
Main Ingredients: White Beans, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Sweet Onion
Soup and bread come together in this classic Tuscan dish. Tomatoes, garlic, and herbs are simmered with broth and chunks of crusty Italian bread, creating a flavorful and hearty soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence.
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Panzanella Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Red Onion, Fresh Basil Leaves, Extra Virgin
This Tuscan salad is a perfect way to use up day-old crusty Italian bread. Chunks of bread are tossed with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh basil, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette and enjoy as a light lunch or side dish.
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Garlic Croutons
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Crusty Italian Bread, Garlic, Crushed Red
Take your salads and soups to the next level with these homemade garlic croutons. Cubes of crusty Italian bread are tossed with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then baked until golden and crispy. These flavorful croutons are perfect for adding a crunch to your favorite dishes.
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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Cooked Shredded Chicken, Medium Red Onion
Combine two comfort foods into one with this delicious BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with tangy BBQ sauce and sandwiched between two slices of crusty Italian bread with melted cheddar cheese. This sandwich is sure to become a family favorite.
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Parmesan Rind
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs, Garlic
Don't throw away those parmesan rinds! Instead, use them to add a boost of flavor to soups and stews. Simply simmer the rind in your favorite broth or soup until it softens and infuses the dish with a rich and salty flavor. The perfect way to reduce food waste and add flavor to your meals.
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Bacon Avocado Toast
Main Ingredients: Crusty Italian Bread, Bacon, Avocado, Lime, Garlic
Elevate your avocado toast game with this delicious and indulgent version. A slice of crusty Italian bread is topped with mashed avocado, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick and easy snack.
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Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Deveined Shrimp, Olive Oil, Water, Extra Virgin Olive
This seafood stew is a staple in Italian-American cuisine. A tomato-based broth is filled with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish, creating a flavorful and filling meal. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and soak up all the delicious flavors.
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Sandwich: Classic Meatball Sub
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese
No top 20 list of Italian recipes would be complete without a classic meatball sub. Tender and juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all between a crusty Italian roll. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Spicy Grilled Clams in Foil
Main Ingredients: Clams, Serrano Chiles, Garlic, Green Onions, Tomato
Take your clams to the grill with this simple and flavorful recipe. Fresh clams are seasoned with herbs, spices, and a touch of spice, then grilled in foil packets until they are tender and juicy. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious and summery meal.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Strata
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Whole Milk, Garlic Salt, Crusty Italian Bread
This strata is a perfect way to use up leftover crusty Italian bread. Cubes of bread are layered with pepperoni, cheese, and an egg mixture, then baked until golden and puffy. The result is a hearty and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to please.
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Three Vegetable Creamy Broccoli Soup
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Florets, Butter, Medium Potatoes, Leek
This creamy and comforting soup is a perfect way to get your daily dose of veggies. Broccoli, carrots, and onions are cooked until tender, then blended with broth and cream to create a thick and flavorful soup. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
- Cornmeal for dusting
To get that perfect crusty texture, you'll need to work with the dough for a longer period than you would with a bread machine. This is because the machine's kneading process helps develop the gluten in the dough, making for a chewier and more elastic texture. To achieve the same result without a bread machine, we will be using a technique called "stretch-and-fold." This method helps develop the gluten in the dough without the use of a machine, resulting in a perfectly crusty Italian bread.
Active dry yeast is a key ingredient in this recipe as it is what makes the dough rise and gives the bread its airy texture. Salt is also essential as it adds flavor to the bread and helps regulate the yeast's activity. It is crucial to use lukewarm water in this recipe as it helps activate the yeast. Using cold water will not allow the yeast to activate properly, resulting in a dense and flat loaf of bread.
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. Slowly pour in the lukewarm water, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes, using the stretch-and-fold technique. To do this, grab one end of the dough, stretch it, and fold it back onto itself. Repeat this process until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour, punch down the dough and knead it for another 5 minutes.
6. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
7. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
9. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Once you take the bread out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The crusty Italian bread is best served warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. You can also use this bread for sandwiches or to dip into a hearty bowl of soup.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste and texture of crusty Italian bread without the need for a bread machine. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with your homemade bread-making skills. Happy baking!
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