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Panini Bread

Panini Bread
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This easy panini bread recipe guides you through creating soft, airy bread with a satisfyingly crispy crust. Using simple pantry ingredients, you’ll bake bakery-quality bread perfect for grilling, stuffing, or enjoying fresh. Ideal for beginners and customizable to suit any taste or dietary need, this homemade panini bread elevates your sandwiches and meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or substitute half with whole wheat flour)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and gradually pour in the yeast mixture while mixing with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky, which helps develop gluten for bread structure.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Dough: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a rough rectangle or oval, suitable for your panini press or sandwich style.
  6. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes to develop an airy texture.
  7. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the dough for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. For an extra crusty finish, create steam by misting water in the oven or placing a pan of water on the bottom rack.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and using for your favorite panini sandwiches.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast and check the expiration date to ensure good rise.
  • Adjust flour or water as needed to maintain a soft but not sticky dough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm environment to promote yeast activity.
  • Be patient with rising times to develop the best flavor and texture.
  • Adding steam during baking results in a desirable crispy, blistered crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: panini bread, homemade bread, crispy crust bread, sandwich bread, Italian bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/panini-bread/