Rustic Italian Bread
This Rustic Italian Bread is the perfect solution for those unexpected bread emergencies. Whether you’re preparing school lunches or planning a family dinner, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress. Made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this bread has a delightful crust and a soft interior, making it versatile for any meal. Brush it with butter right after baking for a rich flavor or opt for a crispy crust by applying egg white before baking. For an extra dimension of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, garlic, or herbs like thyme directly into the dough. This recipe has been lovingly passed around my family and friends, and I’m confident it will find a special place in your kitchen too!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (warmed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
sugar
2 teaspoons
dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour
3 cups
salt
1/2 teaspoon
whole egg white
1
cornmeal
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In your bread machine container, combine the warmed water, olive oil, sugar, and dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast foams up, indicating it's active.
2
Add 2 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour into the container. Sprinkle the salt on top of the flour.
3
Set your bread machine to the dough setting. Keep a close eye on the mixer as it kneads the dough. If the dough appears sticky, gradually add the remaining flour until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency.
4
Prepare a baking sheet by lightly oiling it with olive oil and then sprinkle a layer of cornmeal on top for added texture.
5
Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cover it with a tea towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30-45 minutes.
6
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7
After the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to slice diagonal slits in the top of the loaf. For extra crunch, brush the surface with the egg white.
8
Place the loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Bread?
It is a quick and easy homemade bread with a delightful crust and soft interior, perfect for lunches and dinners.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include water, olive oil, sugar, dry yeast, all-purpose flour, salt, egg white, and cornmeal.
How long does the yeast need to sit?
The mixture of warmed water, olive oil, sugar, and yeast should sit for about 5-10 minutes until it foams.
What bread machine setting should I use?
Set your bread machine to the dough setting to prepare the mixture.
What if the dough is too sticky during kneading?
Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough reaches a smooth, elastic consistency.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil and sprinkle a layer of cornmeal on top for texture.
How long should the loaf rise?
Let the shaped loaf rise in a warm place for approximately 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I get a extra crunchy crust?
Brush the surface of the dough with egg white before putting it into the oven.
How do I get a rich flavor?
Brush the bread with butter immediately after baking for a richer taste.
What herbs can be added to the dough?
You can add thyme, garlic, or other herbs directly into the dough for extra flavor.
Can I add cheese to this bread?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can be added directly into the dough.
Why do I need to slice slits in the loaf?
Slicing diagonal slits in the top allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread takes about 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven.
How do I know the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Does this recipe use milk?
No, this is a dairy-free recipe using water and olive oil as the liquid base.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to be a simple, quick, and easy recipe for those who need bread in a hurry.
How much flour is required in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why is cornmeal used?
Cornmeal is used on the baking sheet to provide a professional texture and prevent sticking.
What kind of yeast is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 teaspoons of dry yeast.
Should the water be hot?
The water should be warmed to help activate the yeast without killing it.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe specifically calls for olive oil for both the dough and the baking sheet.
Can I slice the bread immediately?
It is recommended to allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies all-purpose flour for the best results.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 2 teaspoons of sugar which assist in yeast activation.
Is a bread machine required?
The instructions utilize a bread machine for the kneading and dough prep stage.
How many salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, added on top of the flour.
Can I use this for sandwiches?
Yes, its versatile nature makes it excellent for school lunches and sandwiches.
What color should the crust be?
The crust should be a beautiful golden brown.
How do I shape the bread?
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf after the machine dough cycle is complete.