Mama D's Italian Bread

4.6
(622)

This Italian bread recipe is basic but delicious.

Slices of Mama D's Italian Bread on a wooden cutting board next to knife
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
36
Yield:
3 loaves
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Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

  • 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

  • 7 cups all-purpose flour, divided, or as needed

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • cooking spray

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Mama D's Italian Bread ingredients on a counter

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  2. Add sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.

    Yeast in a measuring cup with water

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  3. Stir in 4 cups flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

    Flour in a bowl with a scoop and batter in a glass bowl

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  4. Beat in salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until soft and smooth. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

    Dough in a glass bowl

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  5. Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise again.

    Three lumps of dough on a counter

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  6. Once doubled, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.

    Three small loaves of Mama D's Italian Bread dough on a baking sheet

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  7. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

  8. Mist loaves with water and place in the preheated oven.

    Three loaves of Mama D's Italian Bread dough on a baking sheet

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  9. Bake until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 25 to 30 minutes. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake.

    Three loaves of Mama D's Italian Bread on a baking sheet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

When it comes time to let the dough rise, I put it in the oven with the light on for a perfect rising temperature.

Editor's Note:

Based on review feedback, we have edited this recipe to include a bake time of 25 to 30 minutes.

834 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

90 Calories
0g Fat
19g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 36
Calories 90
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 194mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 3g 5%
Calcium 4mg 0%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 33mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.