Italian Bread Loaf

Bring the rustic charm of Italy to your kitchen with this traditional Italian Bread Loaf recipe, a timeless favorite perfect for any occasion. Crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and a touch of cornmeal for that signature golden crust, this bread is irresistibly soft on the inside with a delicately crisp exterior. The dough rises twice for perfect texture and flavor, while a sprinkle of artisan scoring adds a beautiful, professional touch. Whether you're pairing it with hearty soups, creating the ultimate sandwich, or serving it alongside a savory plate of pasta, this homemade loaf transforms any meal into a Tuscan feast. With just 20 minutes of prep and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will turn even beginner bakers into seasoned pros.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cornmeal (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy to activate the yeast.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Step 3

Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Once doubled, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

Step 6

Cover it loosely with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 7

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create shallow cuts.

Step 8

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	907.3 grams (907.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2094

Total Fat 33.80g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4732mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate 386.00g	140%
Dietary Fiber 16.10g	58%
Total Sugars 5.20g
Protein 53.90g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 69mg	5%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 690mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.7%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 74.8%