Italian Sesame Seed Bread
Delight in this Italian sesame seed bread, featuring a fragrant, nutty crust with a soft, chewy interior. Its braided shape and sesame flavor make it perfect for sharing at gatherings or as an everyday treat with butter or dips. A versatile bread that pairs well with a variety of cuisines.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add sugar; set aside 5 minutes or until bubbly.
- Add salt, olive oil, and 3 tablespoons sesame seed.
- Stir in bread flour slowly until a stiff dough forms.
- Turn on a lightly floured board.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and satiny.
- Cut the dough into 4 pieces.
- Shape or cut each piece into 3 parts about 30 inches long.
- Braid the three strands together.
- Place the braid in a tight coil on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the dough rise until doubled.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you don't have sesame seeds, consider using poppy seeds or flaxseeds as alternatives. Kneading the dough well is crucial to develop gluten, giving the bread its signature structure. Ensure your water is warm, but not hot, to prevent killing the yeast. This recipe is great for experimenting with flavors; try adding herbs or garlic for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sesame Seed Bread is perfect as a side to soups or salads, such as the refreshing Asparagus Italiano. It also makes a delightful base for sandwiches or can be served with dips like hummus or olive tapenade. For a simple yet satisfying meal, slice it and pair with the Carratiera Sauce - No Cook for a quick and easy dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Italian Sesame Seed Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crusty exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sesame Seed Bread contains roughly 863 calories, with 20g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1752mg per serving (76% 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 use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without the need for dissolving it in water. Keep in mind that instant yeast may rise a bit faster, so monitor the dough closely during the rising process.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more bread flour as you knead. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense. It's important to achieve a balance where the dough is manageable but still retains some moisture for a tender crumb.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which can take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen. A good test is to gently poke it; if the indentation remains, the dough has risen sufficiently.
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).