Soft Loaf of Italian Bread.
I used to love the Soft Italian Bread that they sell at the grocery store with the red, white, and green logo. I haven’t bought bread from the store in ages though because I always make my own at home now. This recipe makes soft Italian Bread with a golden crust and reminds me of the store bought kind only 100% better!
When I make this bread recipe I use my bread machine to knead the dough, you can however still make this same recipe using your favorite method of kneading. Some people like to use their stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or they prefer to knead by hand. I have had really good luck using a bread machine for the knead cycle ONLY! You just set the bread machine to the dough cycle, it kneads the dough for you but does not bake it in the bread machine. So simple.
- 1 Tablespoon quick rise yeast
- 1¼ cup warm water
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1½ Tablespooons sugar
- ½ Tablespoon (not teaspoon) salt
- 2½ Tablespoons oil
- Grease cookie sheet pan and set aside.
- Add ingredients to mixing bowl or bread machine in order above.
- Mix/knead dough using your favorite method (by hand, using a stand mixer with dough hook, or a bread machine). Knead dough for about 10 min. or until it feels smooth & elastic but still a little tacky. You may need to add a little extra flour or water to get the right consistency.
- Let rise 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a 9x12" rectangle on a floured surface. Roll it up like a jelly roll the long way. Place on greased cookie sheet with the seam facing down.
- Make 3 or 4 shallow slits with a knife across the top of the dough.
- Let rise 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 F. degrees.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
This is it..I love soft Italian bread (Walmart)
I wanted to make it myself but couldn’t find the right recipe until today..guess what..it’s exactly what I was looking for!
Thank you so much Holly & Katie..happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Nancy, I’m so glad this recipe was what you were looking for. Thanks for taking the time to comment, we appreciate it. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I made your soft Italian bread the other day and it was a hit
My question is how can I make a crusty bread with the same measured ingredients as the soft
Hi Arthur, If you want this recipe to turn out with a crispy crust I would suggest trying to steam it in the oven. To steam it you would place a metal pan (jelly roll pan) on the bottom shelf of the oven rack. Then after the oven preheats and you put your bread on the middle rack you would quickly add a cup of water to the jelly roll pan under neath and shut the oven door to create steam. Do not use a glass pan, it will shatter. I do this with my artisan bread recipe and it gets a nice crisp crust. Thanks.
I made this bread exactly according to the recipe and it turned out perfect! More than perfect…everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Shirley, I’m so glad the recipe turned out for you! Thanks for taking the time to comment, we appreciate it.
Found this recipe as I was trying to occupy my time during this COVID-19 pandemic. Baking my way through home quarantine. I’ve made at least 10 loaves this week! I’ve been delivering them to my neighbor’s doorsteps as we all are home bound these days. Posted the pic on Facebook and wow what a response! This has been a lifesaver during these trying times we’re living through. Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi Beth, I’m so glad you liked the bread recipe. How kind of you to make it for your neighbors! Thanks for taking the time to comment, we appreciate it.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe
Hi Linda, I just use Crisco vegetable oil which is I believe soybean oil. Thanks!
Would the rising times differ if I use active dry yeast?
Hi, When using active dry yeast you may want to consider adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes for the rise time because it can be a little slower to rise. Thanks!