Italian French Bread
Italian French Bread is a delightful, crusty loaf that combines the best of Italian and French baking traditions. With a soft, airy interior and a golden-brown crust, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply enjoyed with olive oil. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir yeast in warm water until dissolved.
- Stir in 3 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and shortening.
- Beat until smooth.
- Beat in remaining flour (3 cups) to make a stiff dough.
- Knead dough for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic, using flour to keep from sticking.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
- Punch down dough and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Punch dough again.
- Knead for 1 minute.
- Divide into 3 even pieces.
- Roll each piece jelly roll fashion and place on a large greased cooking sheet, 2 inches apart seam side down.
- Sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Let rise, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Make cuts on top of the bread.
- Beat egg white with cold water.
- Brush over each loaf.
- Place a pan of hot water on the bottom shelf in the oven.
- Place loaves on the shelf above.
- Bake in a hot oven (400°F) for 30 minutes or until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from cookie sheet and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. You can substitute vegetable shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or olive oil for added flavor. If you prefer a crustier bread, place a pan of water in the oven during baking. Consider adding herbs or garlic for a twist, reminiscent of some Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian French Bread is perfect for sandwiches, or alongside a hearty soup like minestrone. It pairs wonderfully with olive oil for dipping or can be used to soak up sauces from dishes like Baked Zita With Mozzarella. Serve warm with a spread of butter or garlic herb cheese for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian French Bread contains roughly 1146 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, you may need to adjust the water slightly since whole wheat absorbs more liquid. The texture will be denser, but it will add a nice nuttiness to the bread.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast, and ensure the water temperature is warm enough (110°F-115°F). If the first rise fails, you can try letting it sit in a warmer location or consider starting over.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F. This ensures a fully cooked loaf with a nice texture.
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).