Description
This Pane Bianco is a stunning and flavorful loaf filled with a delicious blend of fresh basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and shredded Italian cheese. It’s perfect as a side to any meal or as a snack on its own. Enjoy the aromatic flavors and soft texture of this beautiful, homemade bread!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 cups unbleached bread flour (about 361 grams)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup lukewarm milk (113 grams)
- 1/3 cup lukewarm water (74 grams)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (35 grams)
- 3/4 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese (85 grams)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (113 grams)
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled & minced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (14 grams)
Instructions
- Combine all the dough ingredients in a bowl (or the bread machine bucket). Mix and knead by hand, with a mixer, or in your bread machine set to the dough cycle to form a smooth, soft dough.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- While the dough rises, thoroughly drain the sun-dried tomatoes and pat them dry. Cut them into small pieces along with the basil.
- Gently deflate the dough and roll it into a 22″ x 8 1/2″ rectangle. Spread the cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal. Place seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using kitchen shears, cut the log lengthwise down the center about 1″ deep, stopping 1/2″ from one end. Do not cut all the way through.
- Form the dough into an “S” shape and tuck the ends under to form a figure 8. Pinch the ends to seal.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, tenting with foil after 20 to 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This loaf is delicious fresh from the oven but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Store it well-wrapped to keep the bread soft.
- It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg