Best Italian Sweet And Savory Bread Recipes

ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

Italian Sweet Bread image

This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. -Kim Ooms, Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 2 loaves (16 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
EGG WASH:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Italian seasoning, optional

Steps:

In bread machine pan, place the first 7 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed)., When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place in 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes., Beat egg and water; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 119mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

MOM'S ITALIAN BREAD

Mom's Italian Bread image

I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. -Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 106 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 197mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

EASY ITALIAN EASTER BREAD

Easy Italian Easter Bread image

This traditional Easter bread is topped with colored raw eggs, which cook as the bread bakes. It makes for a pretty centerpiece.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 1 loaf (20 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 teaspoon aniseed
5 uncooked eggs, dyed
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Decorator candies, optional

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°. Add dry ingredients; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in fruit, almonds and aniseed until blended. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Gently separate ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, in a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with candies if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 169mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

ITALIAN SWEET AND SAVORY BREAD

Italian Sweet and Savory Bread image

A soft slightly sweet version of Italian bread made into two round loaves and flavored with Italian seasoning.

Provided by Marie

Categories Yeast Breads

Time 30m

Yield 2 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
1 lightly beaten egg
2 tablespoons soft butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
dried Italian seasoning

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.