Craving a bakery-style loaf fresh from your oven? This crusty Italian bread is everything you want - golden, crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. It’s easier to make than you think and perfect for sandwiches, soups, or slathering in butter while it’s still warm.
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Do you remember last month when I said that I was going to make more of an effort to make challenging recipes for my Secret Recipe Club posts?
I was going to be really organised and not leave them to the last minute. That lasted all of one month.
I know to a lot of people, bread doesn't make it on to their 'easy recipe' list but I promise you, once you get the hang of it, making bread is seriously easy and so very rewarding.
I can now whip up a fresh focaccia with about 5 minutes hands-on work.
This month I was assigned to My Hobby Lobbie written by Trisha in Sydney. I think this is the first time I've been paired up with a fellow Aussie.
Trisha creates all sorts of things and not just food.
She even sells her handmade scarves on Made It. Her recipe collection is quite enormous and while was I was set on baking bread, I was torn between this one and naan bread.
In all honesty I didn't choose this just because I thought it would be easy for me. I have been searching for a recipe for dad for ages.
His favourite bread is the Vienna loaf sold at our local bakery and try as I might, I cannot find a recipe that produces the same result.
While this was definitely a great loaf of bread, it didn't have the thin flakey crust like dad's loaf.
It sliced perfectly and had a nice tight crumb.
It didn't rise in the oven quite as much as it should have because I got a bit distracted and let it rise too much the second time but it was still really good.
My little guy loved it with peanut butter. I think next time I will add some rosemary and garlic. Yum. Enjoy!
Recipe
Crusty Italian bread
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups baker's flour
- ½ tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 heaped teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Corn flour for the oven tray
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients except the water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook.
- With the mixer running, slowly add the water a little at a time reserving the last bit.
- Mix until everything is combined and if it is still a little dry add more water.
- Increase the speed and knead for 6 minutes.
- Oil a large bowl.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and shape into a bowl then place in the oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Leave until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough.
- Sprinkle the bench with flour and press the dough out. No need to be too perfect about it.
- Tightly roll the dough up into a log then press it out to flat and roll it up again.
- Sprinkle a sheet of baking paper with cornflour and place the dough on top seam-side down.
- Cover with a piece of oiled plastic wrap and leave to almost double in size again.
- Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 220C (470F) fan-forced with the oven tray inside.
- When the dough has risen, slash the top with a sharp knife and spray with water.
- Bake for 3 minutes then spray with water again.
- Bake for a further 40 minutes.
- The bread is baked when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition
Trisha says
This is one of my favorite bread recipes. I must say I love the sound of garlic and rosemary, may just try that out the next time. That loaf looks beautiful.
Claire says
Thanks Trisha! Yes I can't wait to try that combo.
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
can't go wrong with fresh bread! this looks absolutely wonderful.
Claire says
I agree Sarah!
chitchatchomp says
Yep...I'm one of those who throws making bread into the too hard basket. Always so impressed when people just "whip it up". Looks wonderful!
Claire says
You could do it!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Fresh bread with peanut butter or plain ordinary butter or even jam or maybe a sandwich. I love homemade bread. I don't make it often enough because I eat too much of it. :)
Claire says
Oh now you're talking! Haha I try not to eat too much myself!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
It looks wonderful Claire. I have a feeling your dad will really enjoy it even if it's not quite the same as his favorite bread.
Claire says
I'm still working on the favourite but this might have to do in the mean time x
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Rosemary and garlic is such a great flavour idea! :D
Claire says
It's my favourite!
Anna says
Your bread is beautiful. There's something so satisfying about making your own bread, isn't there?
Claire says
There sure is Anna!
Sarah says
I'm guilty of the last minute SRC recipe too. But bread is intimidating for many...and so good when still warm with (peanut) butter!
Claire says
I think we all are Sarah! Mmmm butter....
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
Nothing is better than a good piece of bread ;)
Claire says
Very true Elizabeth!
Kelly Williams says
BEAUTIFUL loaf of bread! I may give this one a try as well! Nice choice for the SRC! :D
Claire says
Thanks Kelly!
Hotly Spiced says
Like Ollie, I do love fresh bread with peanut butter. What a great loaf of bread and it's wonderful that you're challenging yourself - I do try to do that but I need peace and quiet and the entire house to myself - it's a rare thing! xx
Claire says
Haha I would never get anything done if I had to have that Charlie although I did get 1.5h alone in the house for the first time since Ollie was born on the weekend! x