Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread
This Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread is the perfect loaf for any occasion. With its soft, airy crumb and golden, sesame-topped crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home chef, this easy-to-follow recipe brings homemade bread to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and simple steps. You won’t want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
Combine the Dough Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt, and olive oil. Add more water if the dough feels too dry or a little more flour if it’s too sticky.
Knead the Dough:
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook on low speed for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be soft and elastic.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Stretch it into a rectangle (about 9 by 18 inches), fold in the corners, then roll it up into a log. Pinch the seams closed and place the dough into a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise:
- Allow the dough to rise in the loaf pan for 1 hour or until it rises about 1 inch above the top of the pan.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the loaf and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool Before Slicing:
- Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Flour Substitutions: You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for best results.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the egg wash with almond or oat milk, and you can leave out the egg wash completely.
- Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to the dough for an aromatic twist.