Panini Bread
This Panini Bread recipe delivers a soft and airy interior with a satisfyingly crispy golden crust, perfect for homemade sandwiches. Simple to prepare with basic ingredients, it’s ideal for beginners, customizable to your taste, and cost-effective, making it a fresh and delicious alternative to store-bought bread.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Yield: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Activate the Yeast: Start by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy, ensuring your yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a rough dough starts to form, then knead either by hand or with a mixer for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into an elongated loaf or divide into smaller portions, depending on your preference.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover again and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, lightly score the top of your loaf with a sharp knife to help with oven spring. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Let the bread cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use warm water at about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a chewy texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
- Allow the dough to fully double in size during rises for an airy crumb.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water at the bottom of the oven to create steam during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Panini Bread, homemade bread, sandwich bread, crispy crust, soft crumb, easy bread recipe, Italian bread