Name: Big, Soft Italian Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups of water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons dry powdered milk; 1 ¼ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast

This soft Italian bread has everything you love about bakery bread—soft, tender, and perfect for pairing with any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with pasta or using it for a sandwich, this loaf will surely win everyone over with its light, fluffy texture and beautiful golden crust.

Baking bread at home is quite satisfying, and this recipe is a great and simple way to start making your own bread. My recipe is easy to follow and explains each step carefully to help you create a delicious loaf.

Prep Time:20

Total Time:3

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups of water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dry powdered milk
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast

Instructions

Mix the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl or the bucket of a bread machine, combine all the dough ingredients. Mix until fully combined and the dough is smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too dry, add more water. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Knead the dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which should take about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or 15-20 minutes by hand. If using a bread machine, let the dough cycle complete this step.
Shape the loaf. Shape the entire batch of dough into a single large log, slightly tapered at the ends to mimic the shape of a baguette to make a uniform bake and create the classic, slightly elongated loaf shape.
First rise. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Cover the loaf with greased plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until nearly doubled in size.
Bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the loaf has risen, use a sharp knife to make several diagonal slashes across the top to allow the bread to expand during baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool before slicing to allow the interior to finish setting and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Notes

I have a little tip for you: For a crust similar to a traditional baguette without shine, skip the egg wash and sesame seeds. If you want an even softer crust, brush the loaf with olive oil right after it comes out of the oven.

To achieve a slightly crispier crust, put a pan of hot water in the oven while baking. The steam helps create that perfect bakery-style finish.

Using bread flour will give you a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour makes a softer loaf. For a softer, grocery-store style, stick with all-purpose flour.

Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old or expired yeast won’t give you the rise you need, resulting in a dense loaf. If you’re unsure, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough — if it bubbles up, it’s good to use.

The water you add to the mix should be warm but not hot, ideally between 105°F and 115°F. If it’s too hot, you risk killing the yeast; if it’s too cold, it won’t activate properly.

As tempting as it is, let the loaf cool completely before slicing. Cutting it too soon can make the bread gummy inside because it hasn’t finished setting.

Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can give the bread a lovely flavor. Cheese can make it even more delicious; just add it when you’re mixing the dough. Just remember that adding too much can affect how the bread rises.

You can enjoy this homemade loaf with a hearty pasta dish a comforting soup, or use it to make the ultimate sandwich.

Nutrition

Servings: slices

Calories: 178kcal

Author: Katie

I’ve always had a soft spot for freshly baked bread, and this big, soft Italian loaf holds a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about pulling it out of the oven, golden brown, and filling the kitchen with that unbeatable aroma. It’s become a bit of a ritual in my house.

I love to start my weekend mornings by mixing the dough and letting it rise while I sip my coffee and catch up on my reading. By lunchtime, we’re slicing into it, the perfect companion to whatever we have.

More Tips:

Kneading develops bread’s texture by forming gluten. If doing it by hand, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away, then fold it back over itself, turning it a quarter turn each time. It’s a bit of a workout, but think of it as part of the bread’s character.

The dough rises best in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is chilly, turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the covered dough inside to rise.

It can be tempting to add more flour if the dough seems sticky, but try to resist the urge. A softer dough results in a fluffier bread. You can lightly oil your hands or the work surface if needed to handle the dough.

While a bread machine can make the kneading process a bit easier, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort and about 15-20 minutes, but it’s doable and quite satisfying.

Tapping the bottom of the loaf is a good way to know when the bread is fully baked. If it sounds hollow, it’s usually done. Also, the crust should be a nice golden brown color. An instant-read thermometer can also help; bread is typically done when the internal temperature reaches around 190°F to 200°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this loaf alongside spaghetti with marinara sauce, minestrone soup, Caprese salad, garlic butter shrimp, or classic Italian meatballs. You can pair it with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip, a healthy pasta dish like ground turkey alfredo, and a charcuterie board.

Key Ingredients and Tools

To make this loaf recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients to help you achieve great results. Here’s what you should have ready:

Angled view of a sliced soft Italian bread loaf with sesame seeds, showcasing the airy interior and golden crust.

All-Purpose Flour: This is the best choice for a soft, tender loaf. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but the result will be different.
Instant Yeast: This yeast works quickly and doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first, which saves time. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. You can also use active dry yeast instead, but dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
Dry Powdered Milk: Found in the baking aisle, this ingredient adds richness and tenderness to the bread. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with regular milk and reduce the water slightly.
Olive oil: Look for it in the oil and vinegar section. Olive oil contributes to the bread’s moist crumb and subtle flavor, adding a touch of richness.
Bread Machine or Stand Mixer: While not necessary, these tools make kneading the dough much easier and more consistent. If you’re kneading by hand, just be prepared for a bit of a workout.

These tools and ingredients will make the process smoother and help you achieve that perfect loaf every time.

Storage Instructions

Wrap the bread tightly using plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry place.

This bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly using plastic wrap and then wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes after thawing.

If you’d like to enjoy it warm, reheat the bread in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until it’s warm. If frozen, extend the heating time a bit or thaw it first for quicker warming.

Baking this Italian loaf can be such a delightful experience, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating your own delicious homemade bread.

Its soft texture and golden crust make it a versatile option for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a comforting meal or whipping up a quick sandwich. Feel free to get creative with your loaf by experimenting with various herbs or cheeses.

Soft Italian Bread

Big, Soft Italian Loaf