Save Money! Homemade Italian Bread

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has healthy fats while being cost-effective.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a unique flavor.

Start by dissolving 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water; let it sit for about 2 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups of King Arthur bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt; mix well.

Add the dissolved yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour mixture; mix until combined.

Pour the water mixture slowly into the flour while mixing until a dough forms.

Flour a surface and knead the dough for about 3 to 5 minutes until smooth.

Form the dough into a ball, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle semolina flour on it.

After 1 hour, cut the dough in half to make two loaves; fold and roll each half to shape them.

Let the shaped loaves rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.

Score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife, making about five slits.

Beat 1 egg and brush it over the loaves for shine and to help sesame seeds stick (if using).

Sprinkle sesame seeds on one loaf if desired.

Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C) and bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Check the bread for a crunchy sound when tapped; it's done when it has a nice rustic color.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens