Mom’s Italian Bread Recipe

Italian bread is a staple in many households, especially when it’s made from scratch. The scent of freshly baked bread, with its golden crust and soft, airy interior, is a comforting reminder of home. This Mom’s Italian Bread recipe is simple yet delicious, requiring just a few basic ingredients to create a loaf that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, making sandwiches, or serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this classic Italian bread, and provide helpful tips for perfecting the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and guarantees amazing results.

For more information on baking bread, check out this guide on how to make bread at home and learn about the health benefits of freshly baked bread in this article on bread nutrition.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Mom’s Italian Bread recipe requires minimal ingredients but yields a loaf of bread that’s full of flavor. Below are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions:

Mom’s Italian Bread

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Yield: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mom’s Italian Bread is a soft, warm, and delicious homemade bread with a perfect balance of crisp crust and tender, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and salt, this recipe brings a classic Italian bread right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta, using for sandwiches, or enjoying on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (110° to 115° F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5–1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (110° to 115° F) and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves.
7. Second rise: Place the shaped dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, make a few slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean cloth while it cools.
• For a slightly different flavor, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough while kneading.
• Store leftover bread in a paper bag or plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• This bread can also be used for making garlic bread or toasted for extra crunch.
• Make sure the water is at the correct temperature (110° to 115°F) to avoid killing the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can deactivate the yeast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding rising time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread, Italian
• Method: Mixing, Kneading, Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices per loaf)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mom's Italian Bread

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the salt and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until the dough begins to form. Gradually add the remaining flour until a dough forms that is no longer sticky.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Alternatively, you can shape it into two smaller loaves for a quicker baking time.
6. Second Rise: Cover the dough again with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it with olive oil, garlic butter, or use it for sandwiches.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe for Mom’s Italian Bread is simple, there are a few advanced techniques that can elevate your bread baking skills. Here are some ways to perfect your loaf:

Use a Baking Stone

For a crispier crust, consider using a baking stone. Preheat the stone in your oven for about 30 minutes before placing the shaped dough on it. This will create a more authentic, bakery-quality bread.

Steam for a Crusty Exterior

To get that perfect Italian bread crust, introduce steam into your oven during the first 10 minutes of baking. You can do this by placing a small pan of water on the bottom of the oven or spritzing the dough with water just before baking.

Shape Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, try shaping your dough into an Italian round loaf, known as “pane di casa.” This rustic shape gives the bread an artisanal look and feel.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage is essential for keeping your Mom’s Italian Bread fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips on how to store your homemade bread:

How to Store Bread

To store your bread, place it in a bread box or an airtight container. If you’re not planning to eat it right away, wrapping the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a resealable bag will keep it fresh for a few days.

Freezing Bread

For longer storage, you can freeze your homemade Italian bread. Slice the loaf before freezing so that you can take out just what you need. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices into a toaster for a quick reheating.

Shelf Life

Freshly baked Italian bread is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months without losing too much quality.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Mom’s Italian Bread recipe is quite versatile and can be modified to fit various dietary needs. Here are some substitutions:

Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour you choose is suitable for bread baking. You may also need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.

Dairy-Free

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you can enjoy it without needing any substitutions. However, if you want to enhance the flavor, you can substitute a little olive oil for butter.

Whole Wheat Variation

For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your bread a slightly denser texture and a more complex flavor.

FAQs About Mom’s Italian Bread

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water, while instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. Just remember to proof the active dry yeast before mixing.

2. Why is my bread dense?

Dense bread can be a result of not kneading the dough enough, not allowing it to rise long enough, or using too much flour. Be sure to knead until smooth and let the dough rise in a warm place.

3. How can I make my bread crustier?

For a crustier bread, you can bake it on a preheated baking stone and introduce steam into the oven during the first few minutes of baking.

4. Can I make this bread by hand without a mixer?

Yes! Kneading by hand works perfectly fine. Just ensure that you knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Mom’s Italian Bread wafting through the house. This simple yet delicious bread recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, using it for sandwiches, or serving it alongside your favorite pasta, this bread will make any meal special. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy a homemade loaf of Italian bread right from your oven.

Enjoy baking this timeless recipe and feel free to experiment with your own variations!