Herbed Italian Skillet Bread
A fragrant, herbed Italian skillet bread with garlic and olive oil, perfect for sharing. Crispy crust, aromatic herbs, and warm garlic flavor make it a comforting favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and set aside until it starts to foam, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups of bread flour, kosher salt, cracked pepper, and rosemary.
- Add the foamy yeast mixture, remaining water, olive oil, and sliced garlic to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased skillet or baking pan.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your yeast is active by checking for foam after mixing with water. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the bread may not be as chewy. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor; consider adding thyme or basil. For a kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Herbed Italian Skillet Bread warm, drizzled with extra olive oil or paired with marinara sauce for dipping. It complements dishes like Nancy's Italian Stew or a fresh salad. Slice and serve as an accompaniment to your favorite Italian recipes, or enjoy it with soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Italian Skillet Bread contains roughly 191 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the foaming step; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I make this bread vegan?
To make this bread vegan, simply replace the honey with an equal amount of sugar and ensure your olive oil is plant-based. The recipe is already free of dairy and eggs.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the dough before baking can enhance the flavor. Sprinkle some on top during the last few minutes of baking for a delicious cheesy crust.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).