Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One of the easiest breads to make and doesn’t require much time or attention.
- You can change the filling to suit your own tastes.
- Very nice for a casual party or family dinner.
- Uses simple ingredients readily available at any grocery store.
- Makes a great neighbor or friend gift!
- Looks beautiful on the dinner table.
- Pair it with an olive oil dip for a fantastic appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread flour (has a higher protein content that helps the dough strengthen and rise properly)
- Egg (binds the dough together and helps form the outer crust)
- Instant yeast (makes the bread rise)
- Sugar (feeds the yeast while it activates)
- Warm water and milk (hydrates the flour and makes the dough)
- Salt (balances and enhances all the flavors in the bread)
- Extra virgin olive oil (used to oil the bowl so that the dough rises without sticking)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (lends a zesty flavor to the bread)
- Garlic powder (classic flavor in Italian cooking)
- Shredded Italian cheese (cheese turns this bread into a treat!)
- Chopped fresh basil (adds a bright, fresh taste that pairs well with the other flavors)
You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Pane Bianco
Let’s Go Step-by-Step
I always like to show you the photos and step-by-step instructions for my recipes to help you picture how to make them in your own kitchen. If you just want to print out a copy, you can skip to the bottom of the post where you’ll find the recipe card.
Mix the Dough
Place the first 8 ingredients (water through flour) in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or large mixing bowl if working by hand). Mix on lowest speed (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a soft dough begins to form.
Increase the speed slightly and knead for 5 to 7 minutes or until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl. Hand kneading time should be approximately the same and should produce a smooth ball of dough.
Grease a large, clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning so that the top is greased.
First Rise
Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, thoroughly drain the sundried tomatoes and finely dice them. Chop the fresh basil.