Name: Italian Puff Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484671H43M5S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) Active dry yeast; 3 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 ½ tsp Dried oregano; 1 ½ tsp Dried basil; 1 tsp Salt; 1 cup Warm water; 1 tsp Sugar

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If you’ve ever craved a light, fluffy bread with a little extra flair, this Italian Puff Bread is just what you need. It’s the perfect balance between airy, soft, and crispy, with just the right amount of flavor from olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or as an appetizer with dipping oil, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? It’s simple to make and will fill your home with the most inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Italian Puff Bread is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly light and fluffy, yet has a satisfying crunch on the outside. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs gives it that authentic Italian flavor. What makes this bread so special is how easy it is to make, and it comes together in no time. It’s perfect for sharing at dinner parties, or simply to enjoy with your favorite meal. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients. For the full list, you’ll find it below!

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Salt
Warm water
Sugar

To get the full list of ingredients with the measurements, check out the details below!

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water with sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If your yeast doesn’t bubble, it may be expired, and you’ll want to start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time. Once kneaded, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle or circle shape, depending on your preference. It should be about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the dough with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with extra dried herbs, if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with olive oil for dipping or alongside your favorite dishes.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place without any drafts. This ensures that the yeast activates properly and gives your bread that perfect puffiness.
Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dough before baking.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work just fine, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor even more.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Cheese: Incorporating mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the dough will make it even more decadent.
Herb Variations: Feel free to mix up the herbs! Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or even sage would work well in this recipe.
Vegan Version: To make this bread vegan, simply substitute the olive oil for a plant-based butter or just stick to oil. It will still taste amazing!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Italian Puff Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. It’s perfect for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or you can serve it with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads. It’s also great as an appetizer for any Italian meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, spread a bit of ricotta or mascarpone on top for a rich, creamy treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, you can also wrap it in plastic wrap. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until it’s warm and crispy again.

4 FAQs

Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply shape the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be a bit denser, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make the bread extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, brush the top with more olive oil before baking and bake it on a preheated baking stone or heavy-duty baking sheet.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast not activating properly. Be sure to use warm (not hot) water when activating the yeast, and give the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment.

Conclusion

This Italian Puff Bread is a wonderfully easy, flavorful addition to any meal. Its crispy exterior, combined with a soft and fluffy interior, makes it a bread everyone will love. Whether you’re using it to scoop up your favorite dip, pairing it with a hearty pasta, or enjoying it on its own, this bread will definitely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the taste of Italy right at home!

Italian Puff Bread

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Bread, Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This light and fluffy Italian Puff Bread is the perfect balance between airy, soft, and crispy. With a golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior infused with olive oil and Italian herbs, it’s an easy-to-make bread that will enhance any meal.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water with sugar and sprinkle active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Punch the dough down, then roll it into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2-inch thick.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with additional herbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving with dipping oil or alongside pasta, soups, or salads.