15 Rustic Italian Bread Recipe Emeril Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Rustic Italian bread is a staple in many households, and for good reason. Its crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. While there are many variations of this beloved bread, this rustic Italian bread recipe from the renowned chef, Emeril Lagasse, is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have delicious homemade bread in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and let's get baking!
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rustic Italian Bread, Salt
Panzanella Salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for summer. It is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is made with day-old bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. The bread soaks up the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, making it a delicious addition to the salad. This dish is perfect for using up leftover bread and is a great way to incorporate fresh summer produce into your meals.
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Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red
Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup, also known as Pappa al Pomodoro, is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for cooler weather. It is made with tomatoes, bread, and herbs, and can be served hot or cold. The bread thickens the soup, making it a filling and satisfying dish. This soup is a great way to use up stale bread and is a staple in many Tuscan households.
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Italian Sheet Pan Chicken
Main Ingredients: Garlic Clove, Onion Powder, Fennel Seed, Dried Oregano
Italian Sheet Pan Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is made with chicken, vegetables, and Italian seasoning, all cooked on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables are crispy and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love.
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Christmas Eve Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Yellow Onion
Christmas Eve Calamari is a traditional Italian dish that is served on Christmas Eve. It is made with tender calamari, tomatoes, olives, and capers, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is bursting with flavor and is a staple at many Italian holiday celebrations. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread for a delicious and festive meal.
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Panzanella
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber
Panzanella, also known as Italian Bread Salad, is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for using up leftover bread. It is made with day-old bread, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a vinaigrette dressing. The bread soaks up the dressing, making it a delicious addition to the salad. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer BBQ.
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Blistered Tomato Toast with Pesto and Arugula
Main Ingredients: Grape Tomatoes, Garlic, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar
Blistered Tomato Toast with Pesto and Arugula is a delicious and simple dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It is made with crusty bread, blistered cherry tomatoes, homemade pesto, and peppery arugula. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a winner. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Grilled Panzanella Salad
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Tomatoes, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
Grilled Panzanella Salad is a twist on the classic Italian dish. It is made with grilled bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The grilled bread adds a smoky flavor to the salad, making it a unique and tasty dish. This salad is perfect for summer BBQs and is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal.
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Roasted Asparagus Open Faced Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rustic Italian Bread, Pesto
Roasted Asparagus Open Faced Sandwich is a simple and delicious lunch option that is packed with flavor. It is made with roasted asparagus, creamy ricotta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all served on top of crusty bread. The combination of flavors and textures makes this sandwich a winner. It is a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals.
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Garlic And Herb Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Soft Goat Cheese, Manchego Cheese, Fontina Cheese
Garlic And Herb Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. It is made with crusty bread, melty cheese, and a flavorful garlic and herb butter spread. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It is sure to satisfy all your cheesy cravings and is a great way to use up leftover bread.
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Tomato Toast with Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Bread, Rustic Italian Bread, Grape Tomatoes
Tomato Toast with Ricotta is a simple and delicious snack or light meal. It is made with crusty bread, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh tomatoes, all topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dish is bursting with flavor and is a great way to use up leftover bread and ripe tomatoes. It is perfect for a quick and easy summer meal.
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Zuppa di Pesce (Italian Fish & Seafood Stew)
Main Ingredients: Monkfish Loin, Sea Scallops, Brown Shrimp, Manila
Zuppa di Pesce, also known as Italian Fish & Seafood Stew, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. It is made with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, clams, mussels, and white fish, all cooked in a rich tomato broth. This stew is bursting with flavor and is a staple in many Italian households. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Bacon and Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Butter, Rustic Italian Bread, American Cheese, Bacon
Bacon and Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese. They are made with crusty bread, crispy bacon, and a fried egg, all sandwiched between melted cheese. This sandwich is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is sure to become a family favorite. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
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Simple Tomato Panzanella Salad
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher
Simple Tomato Panzanella Salad is a quick and easy dish that is bursting with flavor. It is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The bread soaks up the dressing, making it a delicious addition to the salad. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer BBQ. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Tomato Confit Bruschetta with Ricotta & Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
Tomato Confit Bruschetta with Ricotta & Basil Pesto is a flavorful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with slow-roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, and homemade basil pesto, all served on top of crusty bread. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to showcase seasonal produce.
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Pane Pomodoro
Main Ingredients: Italian Rustic Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ripe
Pane Pomodoro is a simple and delicious Italian dish that is perfect for using up leftover bread. It is made with day-old bread, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. The bread soaks up the sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
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Pancetta and Leek Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Pancetta, Leeks, Celery Ribs
Pancetta and Leek Stuffing is a flavorful and unique twist on traditional stuffing. It is made with crusty bread, pancetta, leeks, and herbs, all baked together in a rich and savory broth. This stuffing is a great addition to any holiday meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and is a delicious and unexpected side dish.
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Fig Panzanella with Ricotta & Basil
Main Ingredients: Rustic Italian Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red
Fig Panzanella with Ricotta & Basil is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a summer dinner party. It is made with fresh figs, creamy ricotta cheese, and homemade basil vinaigrette, all served on top of crusty bread. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to use up leftover bread and showcase seasonal produce.
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Olive Tapenade
Main Ingredients: Pitted Kalamata Olives, Black Olives, Garlic, Capers
Olive Tapenade is a savory and flavorful spread that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a topping for grilled meats or sandwiches. It is made with olives, capers, garlic, and herbs, all blended together to create a delicious and versatile condiment. This tapenade is easy to make and is a great way to add a pop of flavor to any dish.
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Rustic Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Olive Oil, Ciabatta Bread, Rustic Italian
Rustic Ribollita, also known as Tuscan White Bean Soup, is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for cooler weather. It is made with white beans, vegetables, and bread, all cooked together in a rich and flavorful broth. This soup is a staple in many Tuscan households and is a great way to use up leftover bread and incorporate seasonal produce into your meals.
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Pesto Cheese Fondue
Main Ingredients: Italian Fontina, Gold Medal Flour, Olive Oil, Dry White
Pesto Cheese Fondue is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic fondue. It is made with a blend of cheeses, pesto, and white wine, all melted together to create a creamy and flavorful dip. This fondue is perfect for serving at a party or for a cozy night in with friends. Serve it with crusty bread, vegetables, and meats for a fun and interactive meal.
The Art of Bread Making
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Making bread is an art, and like any artist, the ingredients you use will greatly impact the final product. For this rustic Italian bread recipe, it's essential to use high-quality flour and yeast. Flour provides the structure and texture of the bread, while yeast is responsible for leavening and giving the bread its airy, light texture. Emeril recommends using bread flour for this recipe, as it has a higher protein content, which creates a stronger gluten structure and results in a chewier bread. As for the yeast, active dry yeast is the best option, as it needs to be activated in warm water before using. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is alive and will properly leaven the bread.
The Magic of a Starter
One unique aspect of this rustic Italian bread recipe is the use of a sourdough starter. A starter is a mixture of flour, water, and wild yeast that has been fermenting for several days. It adds a tangy flavor to the bread and also helps to give it a longer shelf life. While making a starter may seem intimidating, Emeril's recipe breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps, and the end result is well worth the effort.
The Process of Perfection
Mixing the Dough
To start, you'll mix the flour, water, and activated yeast in a large bowl. Emeril's recipe calls for warm water, which helps the yeast to activate more quickly. You'll then add a bit of the sourdough starter and continue to mix until a sticky dough forms. It's important to resist the urge to add more flour at this stage, as the dough will become less sticky as it rises.
The First Rise
After the dough has been mixed, it's time for the first rise. You'll cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about an hour. During this time, the yeast will be actively working, causing the dough to rise and double in size. This step is crucial for developing the bread's flavor and creating those signature air pockets inside.
Shaping and Baking
Once the dough has risen, you'll turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Emeril's recipe calls for a baking stone, which helps to create a crispy crust. If you don't have one, a baking sheet will work just fine. After the dough has been shaped, it will need to rise again for about 30 minutes before being baked in a hot oven. The final result will be a beautiful, golden brown loaf of rustic Italian bread that is sure to impress.
In Conclusion
Making homemade bread may seem daunting, but with Emeril's rustic Italian bread recipe, it's an achievable feat. Remember to use quality ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and most importantly, have fun with it! There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly baked loaf of bread that you made from scratch. So, gather your ingredients, follow Emeril's instructions, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade rustic Italian bread.
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