Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, especially when it’s an Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe that turns out perfectly soft, fluffy, and just begging to be sliced thick for your favorite sandwiches. This classic loaf balances a tender crumb with a golden crust sprinkled with sesame seeds, making it a staple that never goes out of style. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and the joy of homemade bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that combine to create a loaf with beautiful texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role—from the olive oil that adds richness to the sesame seeds that top the loaf with a delightful crunch.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure while remaining tender.
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast: Essential for helping your bread rise and become airy.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and add subtle flavor.
- 1 cup water: The perfect temperature is key to activating the yeast and binding ingredients.
- 1½ teaspoons salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and tenderness, plus a hint of classic Italian flavor.
- 1 egg: Used for an egg wash that helps create a shiny, golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg to make the glaze easier to brush on.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: For a crunchy, nutty topping that makes your bread look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl. Watch the dough’s consistency closely—it should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too dry, add a splash more water; if too sticky, sprinkle in a bit of flour. This initial mix sets the stage for a great texture.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook on a low speed for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough can stretch thin without tearing, which means it’s developed enough gluten for a perfect crumb.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a bowl greased with olive oil, cover it with a damp cloth to keep it moist, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. The dough should double in size, becoming puffy and soft. This is where the magic happens, as the yeast creates those delightful air pockets.
Step 4: Shape into a Loaf
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough and stretch it into a 9 by 18-inch rectangle. Fold the corners in and roll it up tightly like a log, pinching the seams closed to keep the loaf’s shape intact. Then, place the log into a greased loaf pan. This shaping gives your bread that signature sandwich loaf look.
Step 5: Second Rise
Let the shaped dough rise inside the loaf pan for another hour. It should rise about an inch above the rim, promising a lofty, airy loaf. This second rise heightens the bread’s tenderness and ensures a bakery-quality finish.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf
While your dough takes its final rise, preheat the oven to 350°F with the rack positioned in the center. Mix the beaten egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it gently over the top of the loaf. Finally, sprinkle those sesame seeds over the glaze for a gorgeous, golden finish that adds texture and visual appeal.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake the loaf for about 40 minutes, or until the crust turns a perfect golden brown and you hear a hollow sound when you tap the bottom. This step is crucial to getting the alluring crust and a soft interior that’s ideal for sandwiches.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once out of the oven, carefully turn the bread out of the pan and cool it on a wire rack. Patience here is key because slicing too soon can compress the bread’s delicate crumb. Let the loaf cool completely for the best slicing experience.
How to Serve Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe is delightfully simple but invites wonderful garnishes. Toast slices lightly and spread with softened butter, garlic olive oil, or your favorite pesto for an extra flavor boost that complements the bread’s subtle richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your fresh bread with classic Italian sides like a crisp Caesar salad, marinated olives, or a bowl of minestrone soup. The bread’s soft texture is perfect for dipping and soaking up delicious sauces, making it a team player at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing and stacking the loaf for an impressive sandwich platter with assorted Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and vibrant veggies. You can also hollow out the loaf and create a bread bowl filled with warm Italian dip or a hearty pasta salad—a stunning centerpiece that’s equal parts tasty and charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. It will stay good for up to three days, maintaining its softness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your loaf for longer, freeze it after it has cooled completely. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To revive your bread’s fresh-baked warmth, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will crisp up the crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy—perfect for any sandwich craving.
FAQs
Can I use all whole wheat flour for this Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe?
While you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, keep in mind that whole wheat flour results in a denser loaf. Mixing half whole wheat with half all-purpose is a good balance that adds flavor without sacrificing the fluffy texture.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash and sesame seeds?
The egg wash and sesame seeds add a beautiful golden color and a delicate crunch, but they are optional. If you prefer, you can skip these for a simpler loaf or experiment with other seeds like poppy or flax for variety.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust that sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, an internal temperature of about 190°F ensures the bread is done baking.
Can I make the dough using a bread machine?
Yes! Most bread machines have a dough cycle perfect for this recipe. Just follow the mixing and kneading steps with your machine, then shape and bake the loaf in a conventional oven as directed.
What’s the best way to slice this Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe?
Use a serrated bread knife and let the bread cool fully before slicing. Cutting with a gentle sawing motion ensures even slices without squishing the loaf’s tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a warm loaf of homemade bread from the oven, especially when it’s this satisfying Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe. From its simple ingredients to the delicious texture and charming sesame seed topping, it’s a recipe to treasure and share. Try it out soon—you might find yourself baking this loaf again and again, turning ordinary sandwiches into something truly special.
Print
Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Sandwich Bread recipe is a simple, basic, and foolproof loaf perfect for everyday use. It produces a fluffy, soft bread with a beautiful sesame seed crust that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Ideal for beginners, this recipe guarantees a delicious homemade Italian sandwich bread with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt, and olive oil. If the dough looks too dry, add a bit more water. If it is too sticky and doesn’t come off the bowl, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on low speed for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be very smooth and stretchy and can be stretched thin without tearing.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape into a loaf: Turn the dough onto the counter and stretch it into a rectangle about 9 by 18 inches. Fold the corners in and roll it into a log. Pinch all seams closed and place the dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Let the dough rise again in the loaf pan for 1 hour, until it rises at least 1 inch above the top of the pan.
- Preheat oven and prepare topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack in the center. Mix the egg with 1 tablespoon water, brush this egg wash over the loaf, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake the bread: Bake the dough for about 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool before slicing: Remove bread from the oven, take it out of the pan, and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for the dough is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- For a softer crust, you can brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- If using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, dissolve it in warm water with sugar before adding to flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian sandwich bread, homemade bread, sesame seed bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread, soft bread loaf
