If you're craving a taste of New Orleans but don’t want to leave the comfort of your kitchen, then this easy homemade Muffuletta bread recipe is just what you need! Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, enticing everyone to gather around the table. This delightful loaf, with its soft and chewy texture, is the perfect foundation for your favorite sandwiches or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet scrumptious recipe that takes just 45 minutes from start to finish—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, measure 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Make sure the water is warm to the touch but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the warm water and stir gently to combine.
- Pour the warm water and olive oil mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough back to a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped loaf seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes, until it has puffed up.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen again, place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Muffuletta bread as a base for delicious sandwiches or on its own!
Tips
- Use the Right Temperature: When measuring your warm water, aim for about 110°F (43°C). This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it—too much flour can make your bread dense.
- First Rise: Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in an oven turned off but with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Shaping the Loaf: When shaping your loaf, be sure to roll it tightly to create a nice structure. Pinching the seams well will help keep the loaf from unraveling during the second rise and baking.
- Check for Doneness: The bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and prevents it from becoming gummy.With these tips, you'll be well on your way to baking the perfect Muffuletta bread that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
