Herbed Italian Rustic Bread
This Herbed Italian Rustic Bread, inspired by family traditions, is a delightful addition to any meal, especially paired with a comforting bowl of soup. Made with wholesome ingredients and aromatic herbs, this bread boasts a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for those who are mindful of their blood sugar levels, it combines the rich flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella, along with a zesty kick from Italian dressing, to create a satisfying and guilt-free bread experience. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted for a lovely crunch.
8
Servings
108
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 1/2 cups (all-purpose flour)
Salt
1 teaspoon (sea salt or regular table salt)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated sugar)
Dry Yeast
1 tablespoon (active dry yeast)
Warm Water
1 cup (between 120°F and 130°F)
Oil
1 tablespoon (olive oil or vegetable oil)
Italian Dressing
1/4-1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (garlic powder)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried oregano)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried thyme)
Pepper
1 dash (freshly ground black pepper)
Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon (grated Parmesan cheese)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (grated mozzarella cheese)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and dry yeast, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2
In a separate bowl, mix the warm water (between 120°F and 130°F) with the oil, ensuring the water is not too hot to kill the yeast.
3
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
4
Assess the dough consistency and add more flour or water as necessary to form a soft, pliable dough.
5
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 20 minutes.
7
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
8
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a circle about 12 inches in diameter on a greased cookie sheet.
9
Brush the surface of the dough with Italian dressing, ensuring it's evenly coated.
10
Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, pepper, and both cheeses evenly over the top.
11
Bake for 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
2.6g
Fat
17.6g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
0.9g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Italian Rustic Bread?
It is a crispy-crusted bread with a soft, flavorful interior inspired by family traditions, featuring Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 108 calories.
Is this bread suitable for those monitoring blood sugar?
Yes, it is described as being created for those who are mindful of their blood sugar levels while still providing a satisfying experience.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically between 120°F and 130°F, to ensure the yeast is activated but not killed.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for 20 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking.
How long should I bake the bread?
Bake the bread for 15 minutes or until it is golden brown.
What herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses dried oregano and dried thyme, along with the herbs found in Italian dressing.
What kinds of cheese are used as toppings?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 2.6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 17.6g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this bread provide?
There are 3.8g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 0.9g of fiber.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
What type of oil can I use?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil.
What role does Italian dressing play?
It is brushed over the dough surface before adding other toppings to provide a zesty flavor and help the herbs and cheese stick.
Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade Italian dressing.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How do I know the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
What shape should the dough be when baking?
The dough should be shaped into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is highly recommended to pair this bread with a comforting bowl of soup.
Should the cookie sheet be greased?
Yes, you should shape the dough on a greased cookie sheet to prevent sticking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe includes garlic powder and a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use 1 teaspoon of sea salt or regular table salt.
How do I prepare the dough for its first rise?
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Can the bread be eaten later?
Yes, while it is great fresh from the oven, it can also be toasted later for a lovely crunch.