There’s something nostalgic and comforting about those soft, golden loaves of supermarket Italian Bread-the kind you’d grab for spaghetti night or slice up for sandwiches. This homemade version is a perfect copycat, withy a tender crumb and slightly crisp crust that makes it just like the store bought stuff we all remember (maybe even better!).
Copycat Italian Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer add water , sugar, and yeast. Let proof until bubbly about 10-15 minutes.
- After the yeast is bubbly add remaining ingredients ( except topping ingredients), mix until combined and then knead for 8-10 minutes or until it's smooth and supple and its stretchy and passes the windowpane test.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours or as long as it's doubled in size.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide into 2 pieces. shape each piece into a loaf shape. Place the dough into a greased Italian bread pan or if you don't have a bread pan just place your dough on a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for them to rise and expand. Let the dough rise for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Brush the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Slash the loaves on a diagonal, making 3-4 slashes in each loaf. Bake in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown
- When done place loaves on a cooling rack to cool before cutting. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Photos)
Here’s a look at each step so you can see exactly how this copycat Italian bread comes together….
First add water, yeast, and sugar to your stand mixer bowl and let proof for 10-15 minutes or until happy and bubbly.
Next add remaining ingredients to your stand mixer bowl and combine.
Knead dough 8-10 minutes or until soft, supple and stretchy and able to pass the windowpane test.
Now that’s it’s all kneaded, now it’s time to cover your bowl and let it rest and do its thing to rise up and be a great loaf of crusty Italian bread. This will take 1-2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Mine is usually cold so it takes longer than an hour.
Now that your dough has doubled in size it’s time to take your dough out of the bowl and put on a floured counter and separate the dough into 2 pieces and shape into a loaf and put in your loaf pan or on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. I’m using a loaf pan here in the picture. Cover and let these loaves rise again for another hour or so. Just until doubled.
Preheat your oven to 400. Check that your loaves have risen. You can do the poke test to check…the poke test to know your loaves have risen enough is if when you poke your dough the indent from your finger stays there. If it springs back right away let it rise more before baking. Once you know your loaves have risen enough make 3 slashes in dough with a sharp knife or bread lame, the use egg wash and sprinkle on sesame seeds if using.
Now into the oven they go! Set your timer for 25 minutes and enjoy the awesome aroma that will fill your house as these beauties bake in your oven. You will be getting hungry! Here they are all baked and fresh out of the oven. Enjoy!
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a golden loaf of homemade bread from the oven- especially when it tastes like the one you grew up grabbing from the store bakery. I hope this copycat Italian bread brings that same familiar comfort to your kitchen. Whether you’re making sandwiches with& it or enjoying it with my Homemade Spaghetti and Meatball recipe, or just enjoying it warm with butter, it’s a simple pleasure your family and friends will enjoy. Let me know if you try it-I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
From My Hearth to Yours,
Becky♥️
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