Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

Make two loaves of crusty Italian bread with this recipe that calls for making the dough in a bread machine and baking the loaves in the oven.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 105 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons olive oil
• 1.3329999446869 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Place 1 1/3 cups warm water, olive oil, flour, brown sugar, salt, and yeast into a bread machine in the order listed, or follow the order recommended by your manufacturer if different. Run the Dough cycle, about 90 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle cornmeal onto a cutting board. Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and form into two loaves. Place loaves, seam-side down, onto the cutting board; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

Step 4

Beat egg and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl; brush over risen loaves.

Step 5

Use a sharp knife to quickly cut one long slash down the center of each loaf. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure the loaves are not sticking; use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen them if necessary. Slide loaves onto a baking sheet with a quick but careful motion.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes.