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Fresh homemade Italian bread on a wooden cutting board with one sliced piece served beside a small plate of Italian herb dipping oil.
ThymeToSauté

Italian Bread

This easy Homemade Italian Bread is soft on the inside with a lightly crisp golden crust and seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, basil, and rosemary. Perfect for serving with pasta, soups, sandwiches, or your favorite olive oil dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1¼ cups warm water 105-110°F
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • 1 Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • 1 loaf pan
  • 1 Parchment paper
  • 1 Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • 1 Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Allow to bloom 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add olive oil.
  3. Mix in flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, basil, rosemary, and salt.
  4. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
  6. Punch down dough and shape into a loaf.
  7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly greased loaf pan.
  8. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
  9. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
  • Water should be 105-110°F.
  • Brush with olive oil before baking for a softer crust.
  • Internal temperature should reach 190-200°F.