Italian Bread (Bread Machine)

Biffy 62's Note:

I love this recipe because it is very quick and easy. The ingredients for this recipe are always in most peoples houses. I've been known to whip up a loaf in the morning when I realized I was out of bread for school lunches. I don't always use the egg white in the recipe unless you want a crispy crust. Most times I just brush on butter after if comes out of the oven. This recipe is tried and true and loved by all in my circle of family and friends; enjoy. Notes: Easy and with no milk. I have also added Parmesan, thyme, garlic after the flour and salt just to give it an added flavor change every now and then. Serving Ideas: Wonderful w/ pastas or stews.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 Loaf

• 1 cup water, warmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 whole egg white
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions:

1. Add into bread machine container, warmed water, olive oil, sugar, yeast. Let yeast foam a bit.
2. Dump in flour (start with 2 1/2 cups); add salt on top of flour.
3. Turn on bread machine to dough setting. Watch for the first bit and add flour as needed to get a good dough. (elastic and not sticky).
4. Get cookie sheet ready by lightly oiling with olive oil and sprinkle on cornmeal.
5. Form dough into loaf and set on cookie sheet with tea towel to cover until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375*F.
7. Cut slits diagonally in loaf with sharp knife. Brush with egg white.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and when you knock the bottom of bread it sounds hollow.

Reviews

[Chef #522643]

This bread was so soft and very forgiving! I made them for cheesesteaks and I wound up rising it a few times because the rolls were going to be way too big so I kneaded it again and then let them rise. SO soft - I don't know how another could have used it for pizza crust as it is very soft. Will make again and again!

[rletts]

Very good bread! Have made it a few times and added additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Also use 2 teaspoons of yeast. A little oregano on the top of the loaf and wala! Italian bread!

[Julie F]

This bread turned out very well for me. I used my french bread pans to bake the bread and it turned out very light and airy. As a previous reviewer said, it rose more than I expected it to as well. We all enjoyed it with butter - and Broccoli and Cheese Soup.