Quick and Easy Italian Bread
A simple and forgiving Italian bread recipe that brings the warmth of homemade bread into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Flour is cheap and forgiving; upgrade to bread flour if desired.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water Warm like a hug for the yeast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Score the top with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with butter or dipping sauces.
Notes
If dough doesn't rise, it may need more warmth or attention. Scoring is optional but helps the bread develop. You can also freeze the dough or baked loaf for later use.