No Knead Italian Panini Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for added flavor)

Directions:

• • Prepare the Dough:
    • • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning (if using).
      • In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
      • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water (a tablespoon at a time).

  • Let the Dough Rise:
    • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let the dough rise for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

• Shape and Bake:
  • • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round loaf or divide it into smaller portions for individual panini rolls.
    • Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

• Bake the Bread:
  • • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
    • Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables for a classic panini sandwich.

• • Slice and serve with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside an Italian pasta dish.
  • Use for bruschetta by toasting slices and topping with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
  • Enjoy alongside soups or stews as a crusty dipping bread.

• Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Cooking Tips:

• • If you want a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish of water on the lower rack of the oven during baking to create steam.

• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to get the best texture.
• Use a bread or pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Contains fiber and essential carbohydrates for energy.
• Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats.
• Simple, clean ingredients with no preservatives or additives.