How to Make Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian bread is a classic staple in Italian cuisine, known for its crispy crust, light texture, and delicious flavor. While traditional Italian bread recipes can be time-consuming and require a lot of kneading, using a bread machine can make the process much easier and more convenient.

With a bread machine, you can make fresh, homemade Italian bread without all the hard work. The machine takes care of the mixing, kneading, and rising, leaving you with a perfect loaf of bread every ti...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ⅓ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 2 1-pound loaves

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Place 1 1/3 cups warm water, olive oil, flour, brown sugar, salt, and yeast into a bread machine in the order listed, or follow the order recommended by your manufacturer if different. Run the Dough cycle, about 90 minutes.
  • Sprinkle cornmeal onto a cutting board. Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and form into two loaves.
  • Place loaves, seam-side down, onto the cutting board; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat egg and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl; brush over risen loaves.
  • Use a sharp knife to quickly cut one long slash down the center of each loaf.
  • Gently shake the cutting board to make sure the loaves are not sticking; use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen them if necessary. Slide loaves onto a baking sheet with a quick but careful motion.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    105 cal.

    • Total Fat: 1g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Cholesterol: 9mg
    • Sodium: 179mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Calcium: 6mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 39mg