ITALIAN BREAD (SINGLE LOAF RECIPE)

Italian Bread (single loaf recipe) image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 6

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1 package (2 1/4 tsp, 1/4oz, 7g) RED STAR Active Dry Yeast
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 cup warm water (about 110-115°F)
2 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Steps:

In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, sugar and warm water. Let stand 5 minutes until yeast is foamy.
Add 2 cups flour, olive oil and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or with a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand 10 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms; OR, increase dough hook speed to medium and knead dough in stand mixer 5 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms.
Shape dough into a ball; place in an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
Heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly grease the surface with oil or cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, punch down dough, then carefully shape into a batard/torpedo about 12 inches long. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let rise another 20 minutes until puffy.
Use a serrated knife to make a few ¼-inch deep slits in the surface of the loaf. Bake loaf for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
Yield: 1 large loaf
NOTE: When we have the gang over for dinner, I just double it and it makes no difference to the taste or texture...absolutely delicious!