Imagine pulling a perfectly golden, aromatic loaf of bread from your bread machine, with the bold flavors of garlic and black pepper dancing through every slice. This Italian Garlic Pepper Bread is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms your home into a rustic Italian kitchen, filling the air with an intoxicating aroma that will have everyone rushing to the table. Whether you're a bread-making novice or a seasoned baker, this foolproof recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality loaf with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast.
- In a measuring cup, warm the 1 cup of water slightly. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C). This temperature helps activate the yeast.
- In the bread machine pan, add the warm water followed by the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Next, add the dry ingredients. Start by adding the 3 cups of bread flour, ensuring it covers the liquid completely. This prevents the yeast from coming into direct contact with the liquid too early.
- Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper evenly over the flour layer.
- Finally, make a small well in the center of the flour and add the 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast. This well keeps the yeast isolated from the liquid until the mixing begins.
- Insert the bread pan into the bread machine. Close the lid and select the basic bread cycle on your machine. Set the crust color preference (light, medium, or dark) according to your liking.
- Press start to begin the mixing and kneading process. The machine will take care of the mixing, rising, and baking, which will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in total.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the crust's texture.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade Italian Garlic Pepper Bread!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and you'll destroy the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Always add liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast placed last in a small well to prevent premature activation.
- Customize Your Crust: Most bread machines allow you to choose crust color. For this garlic pepper bread, a medium setting often provides the perfect golden-brown finish.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack to maintain the ideal texture and prevent sogginess.
- Storage Tip: Store your bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is incredible when served warm with a drizzle of olive oil, alongside pasta, or used for making gourmet sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
