The BEST Bread Machine Italian Bread

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pkt active yeast (2.25 tsp)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. 1

   Add water, brown sugar, salt and oil to bread machine pan. 1.5 c. warm water, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp each salt and olive oil

2. 2

   Add flour on top of wet ingredients then add yeast on top of flour. 4 c. flour, 2.25 tsp yeast

3. 3

   Set machine to dough cycle then start. This will knead the dough and proof it through the first rise (mine takes 90 mins).

4. 4

   Turn dough out onto a floured surface then cut into two even pieces using a sharp knife.

5. 5

   Roll each half of dough into a rectangular(ish) shape that's approximately 12" at its longest side.

6. 6

   Roll each half into a long cylinder, pinching the seam closed on the bottom and ends.

7. 7

   Place both loaves onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper (or sprinkled with cornmeal) with the seam facing down.

8. 8

   Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap then let rise until doubled in size (about 40 minutes for me). Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

9. 9

   Optional: Brush both loaves with the egg wash using a pastry brush. Loaves pictured here were made with egg wash.

10. 10

    Using a super sharp knife or razor blade, cut a slice (about 1/4-inch deep) down the middle of each loaf. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until deep golden brown.