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Bread Machine Italian Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 1.5 pounds)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Bread Machine
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Bread Machine Italian Bread recipe delivers a deliciously soft and airy loaf with a crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes. Using your bread machine simplifies the process, ensuring a perfectly kneaded dough and ideal rise every time.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Yeast

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately. Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  2. Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Pour warm water into the bread machine pan first, followed by olive oil. Add the bread flour on top of the liquid, then sprinkle sugar and salt evenly over the flour. Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast, ensuring it does not come in contact with the wet ingredients immediately.
  3. Select Program: Close the lid and select the Basic or White Bread setting on your bread machine, choose the crust color preference (medium is typical for Italian bread), and start the machine.
  4. Allow Machine to Mix and Bake: The bread machine will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread automatically. This process typically takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on your machine model.
  5. Remove and Cool: When finished baking, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a better gluten structure and chewier texture.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, choose a light crust setting or brush the baked loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rise and texture.
  • You can add herbs like dried oregano or basil to the dough for an herbed Italian flavor.
  • Store bread in an airtight container or bread box to keep it fresh for up to 2 days.

Find it online: https://cookedbylina.com/bread-machine-italian-bread-recipe/