Description
This Italian Puff Bread is light, airy, and perfectly crispy! With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake a golden, puffy loaf that’s great for dipping, serving with pasta, or enjoying on its own. No fancy equipment needed—just follow these easy steps!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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Yeast Activation:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- 1/2 cup warm water
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Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Additional warm water as needed
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For Folding & Baking:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix yeast, honey (or sugar), and warm water.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
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Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon warm water at a time until soft and elastic.
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Knead the Dough
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled in size).
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Roll and Fold
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and fold into thirds (like a letter).
- Roll into a cylinder, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 10 minutes.
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Bake the Bread
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Shape dough into a round or oval loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow when done.
Notes
- High heat is key to achieving that signature puffiness.
- Folding creates airy layers, so don’t skip that step!
- For extra flavor, add garlic, herbs, or cheese before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of the loaf)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: ~200mg (depends on added salt)
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg