Italian Country Bread
Rustic Italian country bread with a chewy crust and tender interior, perfect for breakfast or with meals, suited for bread enthusiasts and home bakers seeking traditional flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add yeast to the sponge, lukewarm water, honey or maple syrup, salt, and 1 cup of flour.
- Beat with a whisk for 3 minutes.
- Add remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.
- Slam the dough hard against the work surface.
- Set aside, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Knead again before shaping and baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. If you're out of honey or maple syrup, agave nectar or brown sugar are excellent substitutes. Make sure your milk is at room temperature to activate the yeast properly. If you prefer a crustier bread, try baking on a preheated baking stone.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Country Bread is perfect for bruschetta or as a side to soups and stews. It pairs beautifully with Vegetarian recipes, or you can serve it alongside a cheese platter. For a casual meal, try it with Low Calorie Fettuccine Alfredo or enjoy it toasted with a spread of Italian Cream Pudding for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Italian Country Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Country Bread contains roughly 288 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1563mg per serving (68% 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
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is fully baked when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator that it's done.
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).