Italian Sesame Bread
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups King Arthur Artisan Bread Flour or King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
450g
- 1 tablespoon King Arthur Easy Roll Dough Improver
7g
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
9g
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
25g
- 1 to 1 1/4 cup water
lukewarm, 227g to 283g
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or whole flax seeds
25g
- 1 beaten egg white
Directions
- 1
Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients — by hand, mixer, bread machine or food processor — until you've made a smooth, elastic dough.
- 2
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until puffy.
- 3
Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into three equal pieces; each will weigh about 9 to 9 1/4 ounces. Roll each piece into a 20"-long rope, tapering the ends slightly.
- 4
Place the ropes on a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Braid them loosely; pinch the ends together, and tuck them under.
- 5
Brush the loaf with the beaten egg white, then cover the braid and let it rise for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it's quite puffy.
- 6
While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F.
- 7
Immediately before you put the loaf in the oven, brush it again with the egg white and sprinkle the sesame seeds or flax seeds on.
- 8
Bake the braid for 20 to 25 minutes, until it's golden brown. (Tent it lightly with aluminum foil after 15 minutes, if it appears to be browning too quickly.)
- 9
Remove the braid from the oven, and cool it on a wire rack.
- 10
Store, wrapped, at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Italian Sesame Bread
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About this Recipe
Craving the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, perfectly golden with a hint of nutty sesame? This Italian Sesame Bread recipe invites you to bake a delightful loaf right in your own kitchen, offering a satisfying project with delicious results.
What makes this bread stand out are the thoughtful ingredient choices. The recipe calls for high-quality King Arthur flours, giving you the option to choose between Artisan Bread Flour for a chewier texture or Unbleached All-Purpose Flour for a softer crumb. The inclusion of olive oil ensures a supple dough, while the addition of instant yeast makes the process approachable for home bakers.
You can anticipate a deeply satisfying experience from this homemade loaf. While the specific journey of baking isn't detailed, homemade Italian bread is often known for its tender interior and a wonderfully crisp crust. The star of the show, toasted sesame seeds, will likely provide a delightful aroma and an engaging textural contrast, infusing each slice with an authentic, savory character. This bread is designed to be both comforting and subtly sophisticated, a testament to simple, quality ingredients.
This recipe offers flexibility right in its core. You can easily swap between toasted sesame seeds for a classic flavor or whole flax seeds to add an earthy note and boost of nutrition. For those seeking an extra edge in dough consistency, the optional King Arthur Easy Roll Dough Improver is a valuable addition, designed to help achieve a tender, well-structured bread.
Serve this Italian Sesame Bread warm from the oven alongside a robust pasta dish, a vibrant green salad, or simply enjoy it with a drizzle of your favorite olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a truly authentic experience.