Homemade Italian Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Italian Bread.

1. Step 1

   Begin by assembling all the necessary ingredients for your delightful bread.

2. Step 2

   In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together sugar and active dry yeast with warm water, allowing this mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it froths, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

3. Step 3

   Next, incorporate 4 cups of flour into the yeast blend, mixing vigorously until the batter achieves a smooth consistency.

4. Step 4

   Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes, giving the gluten time to develop and strengthen.

5. Step 5

   After the resting period, add salt and gradually mix in the remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.

6. Step 6

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes soft and silky.

7. Step 7

   Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take around 1 to 2 hours.

8. Step 8

   Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any trapped air.

9. Step 9

   Divide it into three equal pieces and shape each into a ball.

10. Step 10

    Return the balls to the bowl, cover them, and allow them to rise again until they double in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

11. Step 11

    After this second rise, punch down the dough once more and shape each piece into a plump oval or 'football' form.

12. Step 12

    Prepare heavy cookie sheets by greasing them and sprinkling with cornmeal, then place the shaped loaves on the sheets.

13. Step 13

    Cover them with a towel and let them rise for a final time until they double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

15. Step 15

    Just before baking, mist the loaves with water to create steam, which will help achieve a perfect crust.

16. Step 16

    Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

17. Step 17

    For an even crust, mist the loaves with water and turn them occasionally while they bake.

18. Step 18

    Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen as you await the delicious results!.