Savory Italian Bread Recipes

OLD WORLD ITALIAN BREAD

Steps:

• 1. In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, yeast, and warm water. Let proof for about 10-15 minutes. (Proofing is allowing the yeast to activate, you will see small bubbles come to surface of water, therefore letting you know your yeast is good & activated)
• 2. In separate bowl, add 4 cups of flour and salt, blend well & then add to water and mix with a dough hook. Beat at low speed for about 3-4 minutes, make sure to scrape the sides and mix into dough. Cover bowl with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
• 3. Gradually add in the remaining 3 cups of flour to make a stiff dough. You will have to knead by hand. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading will take about 15 minutes, give or take a few. Shape dough into a ball and place into a lightly greased bowl, turning dough to coat complete surface of dough. Cover with a towel and place in a warm, draft-free space to allow dough to rise until doubled in size. Approximately an hour. TIP: I PLACE MY DOUGH IN THE OVEN ON TOP RACK. IN A LARGE SHALLOW PAN, IE:CAKE PAN, FILL WITH BOILING WATER AND PLACE ON BOTTOM RACK. CLOSE OVEN AND ALLOW DOUGH TO RISE. DO NOT TURN OVEN ON!
• 4. When dough has doubled in size, turn out on lightly floured surface and punch down, divide dough into two , and form into 2 balls, place back into greased bowl and cover and allow to rise for 15 minutes, doubled in size again.
• 5. Once doubled, punch down and form into 2 oblong balls. Grease 2 heavy baking sheets and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place dough on baking sheets. Preheat oven to. 375 degrees F NOTE: I MADE 3 SMALLER LOAVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF USING THIS BREAD IN ANOTHER RECIPE. WHICH YOU CAN TOTALLY DO IF YOU'D LIKE! JUST ALTER BAKE TIME BY APPROXIMATELY 5-8 MINUTES.
• 6. Whisk together egg white and tablespoon of water. Make diaginal cuts into dough about every 2 inches, 1/4 inch deep. Brush dough with eggwash over top and sides. Again, cover and allow to rise in a warm draft-free space until dough doubles in size. Approximately 30 minutes.
• 7. When ready to bake, remove cover from dough. Place a large shallow pan filled with boiling water in bottom rack of oven. Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes. Midway between baking, brush eggwash on top and sides of dough again. This helps give you that nice crispy crust with the soft center. Bread is done when you tap on crust and it has a hollow sound, and crust is golden brown. Allow to cool on cooling rack! But first you must test it by slicing a nice warm piece of bread and topping with fresh butter. Eat, if you die of delight, it's safe to share with family & friends! :)

ITALIAN SWEET AND SAVORY BREAD

Steps:

• Place all bread ingredients in bread machine pan according to manufacturer's directions.
• Select dough cycle and check after 5 minutes of mixing.
• If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour.
• When cycle is complete, turn dough onto a floured surface and divide in half.
• Shape each half into a ball and flatten slightly.
• Place in two greased 9" round cake pans, cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
• Beat egg and water and brush over dough.
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
• Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from pans and place on wire rack to cool.

NIKKI'S SAVORY BST BREAD

Steps:

• Combine bread mix and ale, just until moistened. Add tomatoes, bacon, and Italian Parmesan blend. Mix, but don't over mix.
• Spray a loaf pan. Place bread dough in, smoothing the top but not smashing down. Pour melted butter on top. Sprinkle with robust rib-eye blend - more than a thin layer, but not a full-packed layer.
• Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes.
• Italian parmesan can be found here: https://www.spicemerchants.biz/spice-blends/italian-parmesan?rq=italian Robust Rib-Eye can be found here: http://www.tomsmarket.biz/products

ITALIAN BREAD I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan.
• Whisk together the oil, egg, and buttermilk in a small bowl.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, and dried herbs. Stir in cheese and onions. Pour buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Add garlic and tomatoes until evenly distributed. Spread batter into prepared pan. Smooth top, and tap pan on counter to remove bubbles.
• Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, until golden. Cool loaf on wire rack.

SAVORY ITALIAN BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Cut bread to but NOT through the bottom into 12 slices.
• Place on a baking sheet.
• Combine parmesan, mayonnaise,basil, garlic powder, oregano and onion salt in a small bowl, and mix well.
• Spread the mixture between the slices and over top of bread.
• Bake bread until golden, about 12 minutes.
• you can also add 1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp to the mayo mixture before spreading it on the bread, Add a few drops of lemon juice and worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
• variation: butter can be used in place of mayo, and any cheese can be substituted, romano, mozzarella, swiss, cheddar.