RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING
BAKERY /
BREAD /
ITALIAN BREAD

Italian Bread

Italian bread, a popular variety of bread, is known for its soft and chewy interior with a slightly crisp crust. Originating from Italy, this bread is traditionally made using simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, yeast, and sometimes a touch of sugar or olive oil. Italian bread is versatile, ideal for pairing with various dishes, and commonly used for making garlic bread and bruschetta. When baking Italian bread at home, a crucial element is to create steam during the baking process, which helps achieve a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb. This fan-favored bread is best enjoyed when freshly baked, accompanying pasta dishes and soups, or simply dipped in high-quality olive oil or marinara sauce.
#9
IN BREAD
259
CAL / 100G
$0.11
AVG / OZ
italian bread
80%
CARBS
5%
FAT
16%
PROTEIN
Italian Bread FAQ
Italian bread is loved for its simplicity and versatility, but people often have a hard time achieving the classic soft and airy texture with the crisp crust. The secret to achieving that perfect combination lies in the method of baking, specifically, the use of steam during the process. Steam helps crisp up the crust while keeping the interior light and fluffy. Italian bread can be used in an array of dishes from sandwiches to bruschetta and is fabulous when fresh out the oven. Yet, the bread can be just as amazing when it's a day old if you know the right ways to revive it—think dippings, toasts, and bread puddings. Lastly, not to forget that the ingredients play a big role too. Premium flour, good quality yeast, the right kind of water, and optionally a touch of sugar or olive oil can really make a noticeable difference in your bread.
Why is my Italian bread so dense?
How can I get a crispy crust on my Italian bread?
What kind of flour is best for Italian bread?
Do I need to use sugar or olive oil in my Italian bread?
Why isn't my Italian bread crusty?
Are there special techniques for kneading Italian bread dough?
Why is my Italian bread so pale?
How can I make my Italian bread more aromatic?
Can I make Italian bread without yeast?
How should I serve Italian bread?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does italian bread expire?
Unopened store-bought Italian bread usually stays fresh up to 5-7 days past the 'Best by' date, if stored properly. Once opened, it’s best to consume it within 2-3 days. If you freeze the bread, it should be good for up to 3 months. Yet, remember that frequency of freezing and thawing can affect the bread's quality.
How do you tell if italian bread is bad?
There are several indications that Italian bread has gone bad. It might develop mold, which appears as green or black spots. If you see this, do not consume the bread and dispose of it immediately. Also, if the bread smells odd or sour, it’s a sign that it has gone bad. Moreover, if the bread has become excessively hard, crumbly, or dry, it might not necessarily be spoiled, but it's certainly not fresh.
Tips for storing italian bread to extend shelf life
• Keep the Italian bread in its original packaging, usually a paper or plastic bag, cut side down. • If you don't plan to eat it within a couple of days, freeze the Italian bread to extend its shelf life. Before freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a zip-top freezer bag. • Never refrigerate bread as it makes it stale faster. • If you've sliced the bread, store it in a bread box or bag with the cut side down to prevent it from drying out. • For maximum freshness, eat the bread the day you buy or bake it.
EXPIRES WITHIN
11 - 29
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
27g
CARBS
1g
FAT
5g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
Contains these allergens
WHEAT
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code