4 ½teaspoonsactive dry yeastor 2 standard packages
2cups (454 mL)warm waterwarmed to 100-110°F
1tablespoongranulated sugar
¼cup (50 mL)olive oilplus additional oil for the bowl
1tablespoonsalt
5 to 6cups (600-720 g)bread flour
1egg whiteoptional
1tablespooncold wateroptional
Instructions
Place yeast, warm water, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until tan and frothy. Bubbles should form on the surface of the mixture.
4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 cups (454 mL) warm water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 cups (360 grams) of bread flour. Mix on low speed using the dough hook, or fold by hand using a large spatula, until the flour is completely mixed in.
¼ cup (50 mL) olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt, 5 to 6 cups (600-720 g) bread flour
Add the remaining flour and mix until only a small amount of flour remains visible. If the dough is sticky add additional flour. It should be tacky, but not overly sticky. (When you press into it, only a speck should stick to your finger.)
If using an electric mixer, adjust to level 2 speed for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a large bowl that has been rubbed with olive oil. Cover and allow to rest in a warm, dry place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into two balls. Roll each dough into a rectangle that is about 12 inches in length. Fold lengthwise in thirds to make one long and thin rectangle, about 3 inches in width.
Turn the dough over onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the ends of the dough shaping it into points on each end similar to a torpedo shape.
Using a sharp knife cut 4-5 slashes into the dough. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until noticeably puffy and doubled in size a second time.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg white with cold water. Use a pastry brush to gently brush the egg wash over the bread dough.
1 egg white, 1 tablespoon cold water
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing. See post for storage options.
Notes
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of bread. Actual calories will vary.
Makes two loaves!
Nutrition Facts
Italian Bread with Bread Flour
Serving Size
1 slice
Amount per Serving
Calories
245
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
5
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Sodium
354
mg
15
%
Potassium
68
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
44
g
15
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
0.002
mg
0
%
Calcium
10
mg
1
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.