big ole bill's italian bread

How To Make big ole bill's italian bread

• 1

  In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar and warm water. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes or until yeast is foamy.
• 2

  Add 2 cups flour, olive oil and salt and remaining sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon or with a dough hook on low speed until a wet lumpy dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand 10 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms; OR, increase dough hook speed to medium and knead dough in stand mixer 5 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour until a soft, smooth and elastic dough forms.
• 3

  Shape dough into a ball; place in an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
• 4

  Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone or lightly grease the baking sheet with oil. On a lightly floured surface, punch down dough, then carefully shape into a loaf about 12 inches long. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let rise another 20 to 30 minutes.
• 5

  Use a sharp knife to make a few 1/4-inch deep slits in the surface of the loaf. Bake loaf 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Or an instant read thermometer reads 190 degrees. Cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing and enjoy.
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