Italian Bread

Triticum aestivum (wheat base) Baked Good / Grain

Italian Bread Baked Good / Grain

At a Glance

  • Category Baked Good / Grain

The Forktionary Angle

"Unveiling the secrets of authentic Italian bread-making, exploring regional variations and their culinary significance."

Definition

A broad category of yeast-leavened bread, typically characterized by a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior, ideal for dipping or sandwiches.

Daily Consumption Staple for over 70% of Italian households
Main Ingredient Wheat flour (typically 90%+)
Shelf Life (Fresh) 1-2 days at room temperature

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Italian Bread are:

Mild slightly yeasty comforting

Chef’s Secret

Revive stale Italian bread by lightly misting it with water and reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Best Substitutes

French baguette

Ratio 1:1

sourdough bread

tangier
Ratio 1:1

rustic white bread

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for a golden-brown, crisp crust and a slightly chewy, airy interior. Squeeze gently; it should spring back.

Recipes Using Italian Bread

Dietary Beef Eggs Dairy Time To Make

Beef Pesto Panini

This sizzling Beef Pesto Panini recipe is a summer sensation! Quick, easy, and cool to prepare (no oven needed!), this flavorful sandwich features tender beef, vibrant pesto, and melty cheese, all pressed to golden perfection in a skillet. A perfect light lunch or dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.

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Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less Appetizers Fish

Antipasto Platter

Elevate your next gathering with this stunning Antipasto Platter! A vibrant and customizable Italian appetizer, perfect for holidays, weekend suppers, or game day snacking. This recipe offers a flexible guide, allowing you to tailor the ingredients and quantities to your liking and the number of guests. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and visually appealing spread of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and more!

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High Calcium Dietary Preparation 3 Steps Or Less

Bacon Toasts

Crispy bacon meets perfectly toasted bread and melted cheese in this quick and easy recipe! Inspired by Rachael Ray, this elevated breakfast or snack is ready in under 15 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Easy Shrimp Time To Make Preparation

Angel Hair With Shrimp Basil And Toasted Pine Nuts

This quick and delicious Angel Hair pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes! Succulent shrimp, fragrant basil, and crunchy toasted pine nuts create a symphony of flavors. Toss it all together with perfectly cooked angel hair pasta for a light yet satisfying meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread for a complete and unforgettable Italian-inspired dinner.

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Time To Make Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Course

American Garlic Bread

Experience the irresistible aroma and taste of authentic American Garlic Bread! This recipe from America's Test Kitchen delivers perfectly golden-brown, crispy-edged bread bursting with garlicky flavor. Get ready to elevate your next dinner with this simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish. Best served piping hot straight from the oven!

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Low In Something Low In Something Number Of Servings Cuisine

B L T Salad

This gourmet BLT Salad recipe elevates the classic sandwich to a vibrant, flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Crispy bacon croutons add a delightful crunch, while a zesty lemon-garlic dressing brings everything together. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Broil Sandwiches Vegetables Main Ingredient

Avocado And Beef Torta

This Avocado & Beef Torta swaps creamy mayo for healthy avocado, creating a delicious and surprisingly light sandwich. Inspired by a neighborhood newspaper recipe, this version adds a zesty cilantro kick! Juicy grilled steak, fresh tomatoes, crisp greens, and a creamy avocado spread all come together in perfectly toasted Italian rolls. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Time To Make Lunch

Spicy Garlic Italian Beef Sandwiches

Unleash the flavor explosion of these Spicy Garlic Italian Beef Sandwiches! Tender, slow-cooked beef, infused with spicy pepperoncinis and aromatic garlic, melts in your mouth. Served on toasted garlic bread with gooey provolone, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for a party!

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American Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Pears

Baked Fruited French Toast

This Baked Fruited French Toast Casserole, a winner in the Colavita Better Than Butter contest, is the perfect show-stopping Sunday brunch! Imagine tender bread soaked in a luscious almond-amaretto custard, layered with sweet apples, pears, and tart dried cherries, then baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of cinnamon and nuts adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar for a truly unforgettable breakfast experience.

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American Cuisine 15 Minutes Or Less North American

Bears Style Sub

Fuel your Chicago Bears game day with this epic sub! Inspired by playoff noshing, this recipe features a hearty blend of salami, mortadella, hot capicola, and provolone, layered with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions. A zesty homemade dressing ties it all together. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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Occasion Oven Preparation Course

Banana Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding

Indulge in this heavenly Banana Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding! A creamy, dreamy dessert that's pure decadence. This recipe combines the sweetness of bananas and caramel with rich chocolate chips and crunchy nuts, all baked to perfection in a warm, custard-soaked bread pudding. Get ready for a taste sensation! (Pairs perfectly with Recipe #78088 caramel sauce – ensure it's at room temperature before using.)

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Main Dish North American Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Chicken On Pecan Stuffing

This recipe for Baked Chicken on Savory Pecan Stuffing is perfect for two! Forget wrestling with a whole chicken – this recipe uses just two chicken breasts for easy cleanup and portion control. A delicious twist for diabetics, we use apple juice instead of apple jelly, creating a surprisingly flavorful and healthier dish. The vegetables are cooked in chicken stock instead of butter for a lighter, yet still incredibly satisfying meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with delicious autumn flavors!

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Superbowl Savory Dips Superbowl

Artichoke Dip Bread Slice And Serve

This incredible recipe, inspired by Closet Cooking, transforms a simple loaf of bread into a stunning, cheesy artichoke dip masterpiece! No more messy dipping – we bake the dip *inside* the bread for effortless serving. Get ready for golden-brown, bubbly perfection in just 40 minutes!

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Preparation Main Dish Sandwiches Easy

Baked Ham Sandwich

This nostalgic recipe, passed down through the family, delivers a surprisingly delicious and easy baked ham sandwich! Imagine a crispy, golden-brown sandwich overflowing with savory ham and melty cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. This recipe, originally from a Kraft booklet, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – simple to make, yet bursting with flavor.

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Greens Occasion American Vegetables

B L T Tossed Salad

This vibrant B L T Tossed Salad is a spring and summer sensation! Crisp Boston lettuce forms the base, topped with homemade bacon croutons for irresistible crunch. The creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements the juicy tomatoes and savory bacon. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavor, this salad is a crowd-pleaser!

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Cuisine Ground Beef Meat Main Ingredient

Best Meatballs Ever

Experience a flavor explosion with these unbelievably juicy and tender meatballs! Our recipe uses simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions to create the best meatballs you'll ever taste. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or any special occasion.

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Grilling 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Barbecue

Bbq Brats N Beer

Fire up the grill for this easy and delicious BBQ Brats & Beer recipe! Perfect for a casual get-together, this 'build-your-own' meal lets guests customize their brats with their favorite toppings. Juicy brats simmered in beer, then grilled to perfection – it's a flavor explosion! Serve with baked beans on the side for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Preparation Easy

30 Minute Dinner

Tired of the same old dinner routine? This 30-minute recipe delivers a burst of flavor without the fuss! I was craving something different than my usual amazing lasagna (yes, it's THAT good!), and this recipe was born. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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