How to Make Italian Bread II - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful breads, and Italian Bread II is no exception. This traditional recipe is beloved for its crispy crust and soft interior, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you're serving it alongside pasta, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a smear of butter, Italian Bread II is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What sets Italian Bread II apart from other breads is its simplicity. With just a few bas...

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ⅛ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 loaf

  • Add all ingredients except egg, 1 tablespoon water, sesame seeds, and cornmeal into your bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select the dough cycle.
  • Divide dough into 2 parts and form into loaves. Sprinkle cornmeal on greased baking sheet. Place loaves on pan seam side down. Brush top of loaves with water. Let rise til double, about 50 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Brush loaves with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Make 4 cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of log. Place a pan of hot water in bottom of oven. Bake bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. To make a nice crusty bread, bake bread in the afternoon and pop into oven again for 5 minutes before meal. Makes a very crusty bread! You would be surprised how much better it is if you heat it that last 5 minutes. Try it. I learned this in a bread machine class!
  • Nutrition

    147 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 16mg
    • Sodium: 298mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Calcium: 16mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 55mg