17 Italian Bread Recipe Food Network Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Italian bread is a staple in many households, with its crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior. Many people turn to the Food Network for delicious and authentic recipes, and the search for the perfect Italian bread recipe is no exception. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to creating the perfect Italian bread at home.
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, especially when it's a warm and rustic Italian bread. This type of bread is perfect for serving with a hearty stew or pasta dish, or simply on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Here are 20 different recipes for rustic Italian bread that will have your mouth watering and your kitchen smelling amazing.
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Italian Bread Dipping (Oil) Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Fresh Oregano, Red Chili Flakes, Garlic
No Italian bread is complete without a delicious dipping sauce, and this recipe doesn't disappoint. Made with a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices, this sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any homemade Italian bread. It's so good, you might even find yourself eating it on its own!
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Classic Italian Bread by Bread Illustrated
Main Ingredients: Bread, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Lager, Water, Extra
If you're looking for a traditional Italian bread recipe, look no further than this classic recipe from Bread Illustrated. With a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, this bread is perfect for dipping, making sandwiches, or even using as the base for bruschetta.
This simple and straightforward Italian bread recipe is a staple in many households. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including flour, yeast, water, and salt, this bread is easy to make and perfect for beginners.
Another take on the classic Italian bread, this recipe uses a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for a soft and airy texture. It's also brushed with an egg wash before baking, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
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The Secret To Making Real Italian Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Water, Bread Flour, Milk, Olive Oil, Salt
What's the secret to making real Italian bread? According to this recipe, it's using a poolish starter, which gives the bread its distinct flavor and texture. This recipe also includes tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crust and crumb.
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Italian Bread With Tomato Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Purple Onion, Fresh Basil Leaves, Ground
This recipe takes traditional Italian bread to the next level by topping it with a delicious mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It's the perfect appetizer for any Italian-inspired meal.
There's nothing quite like a family recipe, and this one for Grandma's Italian bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Passed down from generation to generation, this bread is full of love and flavor.
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Homemade Italian Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Honey, Active Dry Yeast, Salt, Bread Flour
If you've always wanted to try making your own Italian bread but were intimidated by the process, this recipe is for you. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you'll be making homemade Italian bread like a pro in no time.
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Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Light Brown Sugar, Warm
Don't have the time or patience to knead and shape your own bread? No problem. This recipe for Italian bread uses a bread machine to do all the hard work for you. Simply add the ingredients, press start, and enjoy homemade bread in a fraction of the time.
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Easy Cheesy Italian Bread
Main Ingredients: French Bread, Cheese Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you're a fan of cheese, this recipe is a must-try. It takes traditional Italian bread and adds a layer of gooey melted cheese on top for a delicious twist. Serve it as a side dish or as a snack on its own.
Here's another recipe that uses a bread machine to make homemade Italian bread a breeze. This recipe also includes a video tutorial to help you along the way.
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Three Cheese Italian Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Warm Water, Granulated Sugar
If one type of cheese isn't enough for you, this recipe has got you covered. It combines mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses for a flavor explosion. Perfect for serving with a big bowl of pasta or as a game-day snack.
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20 Minute Italian Bread Twists
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Bread Sticks, Butter, Italian Seasoning
Short on time but still craving homemade Italian bread? These bread twists are ready in just 20 minutes and are made with only six ingredients. They're perfect for a quick and easy side dish or appetizer.
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Homemade Herb Crusted Italian Bread
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Warm Water, Bread Flour, Olive
This recipe takes Italian bread to a whole new level with a delicious herb crust. Made with a blend of parsley, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this bread is bursting with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy Italian bread recipe. It uses a no-knead method, so you don't have to spend hours shaping and kneading the dough.
No Italian meal is complete without a side of meatballs, and this recipe is a classic. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, these meatballs are perfect for adding to pasta or making sandwiches.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you prefer your meatballs on the larger side, this recipe is for you. These great big Italian meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for topping your favorite pasta dish.
Want to really impress your dinner guests? This recipe for stuffed Italian bread is sure to do the trick. It's filled with a delicious mixture of meats, cheeses, and herbs, making it a meal in itself.
This recipe for Italian bread dip is the perfect way to use up stale Italian bread. It's made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, and spices, and is perfect for dipping your favorite bread into.
Ingredients
To make a classic Italian bread, you will need all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, and water. Some recipes may also call for olive oil or sugar, but these are not essential to the traditional version. It's important to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. For example, using a high-gluten flour will give your bread a chewier texture, while using a lower protein flour will produce a lighter and softer loaf.
Yeast
Yeast is a crucial ingredient in any bread recipe, as it is responsible for the rise and texture of the bread. For Italian bread, it's best to use active dry yeast or instant yeast. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water before being added to the flour, while instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it is still active.
Kneading
Kneading is an important step in making Italian bread, as it helps develop the gluten and give the bread its characteristic chewiness. Flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it after the initial mixing. Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, rotating it with each push. Continue this process for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rising and Shaping
After kneading, the dough needs to rise in a warm, draft-free place. This allows the yeast to activate and create air pockets in the dough. Once the dough has doubled in size, it's time to shape it. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round or oval loaf. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions for individual rolls.
Baking
The key to achieving a crusty exterior on your Italian bread is to create steam in the oven while it bakes. This can be done by placing a pan of hot water in the oven or spraying the bread with water before and during baking. Bake the bread at a high temperature, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, for 20-30 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Final Thoughts
With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian bread at home. Experiment with different flours and add-ins, such as herbs or cheese, to create your own unique version. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing until you achieve the perfect loaf. So next time you're in the mood for some fresh-baked bread, turn to this recipe on the Food Network for a professional and tasty result.
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