Savory Italian Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cut bread widthwise into 1-in. slices to within 1/2 in. of bottom of loaf. Repeat cuts in opposite direction. Cut cheese into 1/4-in. slices; cut slices into small pieces. Place cheese in cuts in bread., In a small bowl, mix butter, green onions and poppy seeds; drizzle over bread. Wrap in foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Unwrap; bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes longer.

Steps:

• Stir the yeast into lukewarm water and set aside.
• Combine 5 cups flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the yeast mixture, remaining water and olive oil. Using a dough hook attachment, mix on lowest speed of electric mixer (stir setting on a KitchenAid) until a dough starts to form, adding more flour as needed. Knead on low speed (2 on a KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. Transfer dough to lightly floured surface and need by hand for 1 to 2 minutes, or until a smooth, firm, elastic dough is formed.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and spray the dough with a thin coating of cooking spray. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside to proof in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size. I usually put mine in a SLIGHTLY warmed oven.
• Remove the plastic wrap, punch down and flatten the rounded dough with the heel of your hand. Roll the dough up tightly, sealing the seam well after each roll.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F and place an empty baking pan on bottom rack. This will be used later to create steam.
• Place the dough on a inverted baking sheet that has been dusted with flour. Cover with a towel, for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Brush the dough with the egg white, and then slash the dough lengthwise about 1/4-inch deep in three spots.
• Place the pan of dough on the top rack, and pour a large cup of water into the warmed baking pan on the bottom rack.
• Bake for 45 minutes, or until a hollow thud is heard when tapping the bottom of the bread. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Beat in water and oil until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 1-2 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. , Punch dough down; place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan and pat into a 12-in. circle. Brush with salad dressing. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over top. Sprinkle with cheeses. , Bake at 450° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Place all bread ingredients in bread machine pan according to manufacturer's directions.
• Select dough cycle and check after 5 minutes of mixing.
• If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour.
• When cycle is complete, turn dough onto a floured surface and divide in half.
• Shape each half into a ball and flatten slightly.
• Place in two greased 9" round cake pans, cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
• Beat egg and water and brush over dough.
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
• Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from pans and place on wire rack to cool.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Cut bread to but NOT through the bottom into 12 slices.
• Place on a baking sheet.
• Combine parmesan, mayonnaise,basil, garlic powder, oregano and onion salt in a small bowl, and mix well.
• Spread the mixture between the slices and over top of bread.
• Bake bread until golden, about 12 minutes.
• you can also add 1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp to the mayo mixture before spreading it on the bread, Add a few drops of lemon juice and worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
• variation: butter can be used in place of mayo, and any cheese can be substituted, romano, mozzarella, swiss, cheddar.