Quick Italian Bread
Whip up a warm, bakery-style loaf in under an hour with this Quick Italian Bread recipe—a game-changer for busy home cooks! Crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and olive oil, this no-fuss recipe yields perfectly golden, crusty loaves with a soft, airy interior. The dough comes together easily and requires just a brief resting time, making it ideal for last-minute dinners or unexpected guests. With its signature diagonal slashes and rustic charm, this Italian bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside hearty soups, or building the ultimate sandwich. Experience the joy of fresh-baked bread without the long hours of rising—simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying!
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Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.25 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Step 2
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 10 minutes.
Step 5
After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf or oval. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6
Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf.
Step 7
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, allow the dough to rest for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 8
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9
Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 776.5 grams (776.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1849 |
| Total Fat 32.40g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat 5.00g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3549mg | 154% |
| Total Carbohydrate 336.00g | 122% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.40g | 48% |
| Total Sugars 13.40g | |
| Protein 46.40g | 93% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 60mg | 5% |
| Iron 20mg | 111% |
| Potassium 530mg | 11% |
Source of Calories