This Italian bread recipe is just flour, yeast, sugar, salt and water, in perfect proportion, for a basic, tasty bread to share or freeze for later.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Calories
90 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Step 2
Mist loaves with water and place in the preheated oven. Bake until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 25 to 30 minutes. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake.
Step 3
Add sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.
Step 4
Stir in 4 cups flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 5
Beat in salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until as soft and smooth as a bambino's behind. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
Step 6
Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise again.
Step 7
Once doubled, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.
