Dinner

Italian Bread Recipe

Name: Italian Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) Active dry yeast; 1/4 cup Warm water (110°F); 1/4 tsp Granulated sugar; 1 cup Hot water (hot tap water, not boiling); 1 tbsp Granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt; 1/4 cup Olive oil; 3 1/4 cups Bread flour, divided; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp Water

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

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Introduction

Italian bread is a simple yet satisfying loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior. This recipe uses basic ingredients to create a flavorful bread perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.

A golden brown loaf of bread with a smooth, slightly shiny crust and three shallow diagonal cuts on top lies on a long, white oval plate. The bread shows a soft texture with some small dimples on the crust. Next to the bread, there is a black, square-shaped butter dish with a lid, and a white cloth with thin red stripes is folded beside it. A small green leafy plant in a round, gray pot is placed nearby. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface with a dark background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 tsp granulated sugar (for proofing)
1 cup hot water (hot tap water, not boiling)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
3 1/4 cups bread flour, divided
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the yeast and 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F). Let it proof for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 1 cup hot water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, kosher salt, and olive oil. Stir in 1 1/2 cups bread flour and mix on low with a paddle attachment.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix on low to combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups bread flour and mix on low until well combined. The dough will be sticky. Scrape the sides, cover the bowl, and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. After rising, place the dough on a floured surface and gently flatten into a rectangle.
Step 6: Roll the dough jellyroll style, sealing as you go, and fold in corners after each roll. Seal the seam and tuck the ends under.
Step 7: Place the loaf seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash.
Step 9: Brush the loaf with egg wash and use a sharp knife or bread lame to make three or four diagonal cuts across the top.
Step 10: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with olive oil instead of egg wash.
Use bread flour for better gluten development and texture; all-purpose flour can be a substitute but may yield a denser loaf.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
Resist adding extra flour during mixing; sticky dough results in a lighter bread.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped loosely in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive the crust.

How to Serve

A large, golden-brown loaf of bread with a smooth and shiny crust, featuring three shallow diagonal cuts on the top, rests on a black oval plate. The bread has a soft, slightly puffy texture with a warm, even color. Behind it, there is a silver butter dish with a lid, and next to it, a white cloth with red stripes is casually placed. In the background, a small plant in a grey pot adds a touch of green contrast. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Since it doesn’t require proofing, mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, reducing the water slightly if needed.

Why is my dough sticky?

Italian bread dough is naturally sticky due to its hydration level. Avoid adding too much flour during mixing; the stickiness helps create a softer crumb and a better rise.