Easy Italian bread recipe for beginners
Easy Italian Bread Recipe for Beginners Okay, so I have to tell you about this Italian bread recipe I’ve been making for years. It’s so simple, even my cat could probably do it (if she had thumbs). The first time I tried making bread, it came out like a rock. Like, legit could’ve been used…
Easy Italian Bread Recipe for Beginners
Okay, so I have to tell you about this Italian bread recipe I’ve been making for years. It’s so simple, even my cat could probably do it (if she had thumbs). The first time I tried making bread, it came out like a rock. Like, legit could’ve been used as a doorstop. But this recipe? Foolproof. It’s soft, chewy, and smells like a little Italian bakery in your kitchen. Plus, it’s way cheaper than buying fancy bread at the store.
I love making this when I’m having people over because it looks impressive, but secretly it’s barely any work. Just mix, let it sit, bake, and boom—you’re a bread-making genius. Let’s get into it.
Recipe Card
Recipe Title: Easy Italian Bread Recipe for Beginners
Servings: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1.5 hours for rising)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal per slice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the bowl)
Directions:
- In a big bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is dead—start over.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until it’s too thick, then use your hands to knead it into a dough. It’ll be sticky at first—that’s normal.
- Knead for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth. If it sticks to your hands, add a tiny bit more flour.
- Pour a little olive oil into a clean bowl, plop the dough in, and turn it to coat. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. It should double in size.
- Punch the dough down (this is the fun part), shape it into a loaf, and put it on a baking sheet. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
See? Told you it was easy. Now, let’s talk details.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 36g | 1g | 5g |
Ingredient Swaps
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Bread flour (makes it chewier) |
| Sugar | Honey or maple syrup (same amount) |
| Olive oil | Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola |
Tips
- If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on—it’s the perfect cozy spot.
- Don’t skip the second rise! It makes the bread lighter and less dense.
- Brush the top with melted butter right after baking for extra softness (and deliciousness).
FAQ
Q: Can I add herbs or garlic to this?
A: Heck yes! Toss in some dried rosemary or garlic powder when you mix the dough. Or roll minced garlic into it before the second rise.
Q: Why did my bread turn out dense?
A: Probably over-kneaded or didn’t let it rise long enough. Bread is lazy—it needs time to puff up.
Q: Can I make this in a bread machine?
A: Sure! Use the dough setting, then shape and bake it in the oven for that crusty outside.
That’s pretty much it. This Italian bread is my go-to because it’s forgiving, tastes amazing, and makes your house smell like a dream. Serve it with pasta, soup, or just rip off chunks and eat it plain like a carb monster (no judgment here).
Give it a try and let me know how it goes! And if you mess up? Well, that’s just an excuse to try again. Happy baking!
