Description
This Italian Hero Bread is soft on the inside with a crispy crust, perfect for making delicious subs or sandwiches filled with your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long loaf.
- Second rise: Place the loaves on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the loaves rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a crustier loaf, place a shallow pan with water in the oven while baking.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16 of a loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian bread, hero bread, sandwich bread, homemade bread