Italian christmas bread with eggnog glaze –The festive season often brings families and friends together, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with traditional Italian bread. This delicious bread, often enjoyed during Christmas gatherings, embodies warmth and togetherness. Below, we introduce a classic recipe for Italian Bread, perfect for your holiday table.
Italian Bread At Christmas
This Italian bread recipe is not only simple to follow but also yields a delightful loaf that is perfect for sharing. It has a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, making it a wonderful accompaniment to various holiday dishes or simply enjoyed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf or divide it into smaller portions for individual rolls.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, make a few slashes on top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow it to expand in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Italian Bread with family and friends during this joyous season!
This Italian Bread is sure to become a staple in your holiday traditions. Happy baking!
