Delicious Homemade Italian Bread Recipe

Indulge in the aroma of freshly baked Italian bread with this easy recipe that yields a crusty exterior and soft interior. Using a bread machine makes the process simple and convenient, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Add warm water and yeast to the bread machine pan, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add bread flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil to the pan.
3. Select the dough setting on the bread machine and let it knead and rise.
4. Once the dough is ready, shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
5. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Score the top of the loaf with a knife and brush with olive oil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts