There’s something truly special about that first slice of freshly baked bread—warm, aromatic, and with a crust that cracks just so when you tear it apart. This Authentic Chewy Bread Machine Italian Bread delivers on all fronts! Its golden crust and impossibly chewy interior make it perfect for sandwiches, a side at dinner, or simply toasted with a bit of olive oil for dipping. Honestly, I find myself making this bread for family gatherings, cozy weekend breakfasts, or whenever I crave that homemade goodness.
What’s lovely about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike. Just toss the ingredients into the bread machine, and let it do the magic! And if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), it makes incredible croutons or French toast.
WHY I LOVE AUTHENTIC CHEWY BREAD MACHINE ITALIAN BREAD
I absolutely adore this Authentic Chewy Bread Machine Italian Bread because it hits that sweet spot of being incredibly easy and undeniably delicious! The flavor profile is subtly rich from the olive oil and a hint of sweetness from the sugar, creating a loaf that’s both warm and inviting. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, garlic bread on the side of pasta, or just slathering on some butter, it’s a true winner at my table—and I’m sure it will be at yours, too!
AUTHENTIC CHEWY BREAD MACHINE ITALIAN BREAD INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Authentic Chewy Bread Machine Italian Bread truly lies in the harmony of its simple ingredients. Don’t worry about the exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 1 ⅓ CUPS WATER (ROOM TEMPERATURE, ~75-85°F): The foundation of our bread that hydrates the flour and activates the yeast.
- 2 ½ TBSP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: This adds a luscious richness and flavor that’s unmistakably Italian.
- 4 CUPS BREAD FLOUR (DO NOT SUBSTITUTE): The backbone of our loaf, giving it structure and that chewy texture we love.
- 2 ½ TSP GRANULATED SUGAR: Just a touch to balance flavors and help the yeast do its rising magic.
- 1 ½ TSP KOSHER SALT: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the bread from being bland.
- 2 TSP ACTIVE DRY YEAST: The little powerhouse that makes it rise and creates those beautiful air pockets!
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? Here are a couple of suggestions you might like:
- Flour: If you’re out of bread flour, all-purpose flour can work (though it won’t be quite as chewy).
- Olive Oil: Can’t find it? A mild vegetable oil can substitute well; just remember, you’ll lose some of that Italian flavor.
- Yeast: If you only have instant yeast, you can use it! Just mix it with the dry ingredients instead of the wet.
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh—nothing worse than bread that doesn’t rise due to expired yeast!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Bread machine (that can handle 1.5 lb or 2 lb loaves)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Bread knife ( serrated works best!)
HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC CHEWY BREAD MACHINE ITALIAN BREAD
Let’s dive into creating this wonderfully chewy Authentic Chewy Bread Machine Italian Bread. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. We’re aiming for that perfect chewy inside and crusty outside!
Add Ingredients (Crucial Order)
The magic begins here! Make sure to add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the “wet first, dry last” order. This is the safest method for most machines.
Liquids First
First, pour in the room-temperature water followed by the olive oil. This creates a lovely base that the flour will soak up beautifully.
Dry Next
Next, gently spoon the bread flour on top of the liquids, creating an even layer that covers them completely. This is key to ensuring that the yeast doesn’t activate too early!
Salt & Sugar
Now, sprinkle the sugar and salt in separate corners on top of the flour. We don’t want them mixed just yet as they each play vital roles in flavor and yeast activation!
Yeast Last
Make a small, shallow “well” in the center of the flour (be careful not to let it touch the liquid below). Pour the yeast into this well. Trust me, this helps it activate at just the right time!
Set Machine
Once everything is in place, put the pan securely in your bread machine. Select either the Basic or White Bread program. If your machine has a “French” or “Italian” setting, use that! Choose the correct loaf size (1.5 lb or 2 lb) and set for a Dark Crust if you love that extra crunch.
Start
Press the Start button and let the machine run its full cycle! The smells that will start wafting through your kitchen are utterly amazing!
Cool (Crucial!)
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the pan. Turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack. This step is crucial—let it cool completely for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. This allows the crust to set properly and prevents a gummy interior. Trust me, the wait is definitely worth it!
HOW TO STORE AUTHENTIC CHEWY BREAD MACHINE ITALIAN BREAD
If you happen to have any leftovers (rare, but it happens!), they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in a paper bag or wrapped loosely in a cloth to keep the crust crispy. If you’re keeping it longer, pop it into the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, slice and freeze for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and pop it in the toaster or warm it in the oven.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use room temperature water for best yeast activation.
- Always measure with precision; baking is a science!
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing to prevent a gummy crumb.
- Experiment with seasonings like Italian herbs for an extra flavor kick in the dough.
- Trust your senses—if it smells divine, you’re doing it right!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Slice and serve with a dollop of homemade basil pesto or roasted garlic spread.
- Pair with a rich pasta dish for the ultimate Italian feast!
- Use as the foundation for a mouthwatering panini.
- Enjoy toasted with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil!
- Serve alongside a vibrant salad for a refreshing crunch.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Authentic Chewy Bread Machine Italian Bread as much as I do. It’s a comforting staple that brings joy to my kitchen and heart, and I’m excited for you to try it! Happy baking!
