A Tutorial on How to Make Sicilian Bread


a loaf of Sicilian Bread

Sicilian bread is easy to make, but it does take a little time because it’s a yeast rising bread.

However, there is no need to worry as I give exquisite details. In the end, you will be a pro and will have a new recipe to include in your recipe box.

Sicilian Bread is a go-to bread in our house. I make it quite often for the family and when we are expecting company. Pair it with a hearty supper such as pasta, stews, or soups for a complete meal. It also makes a nice breakfast bread that you can toast and then add some of your favorite toppings.

Ready? Let’s begin.

Sicilian Bread

Recipe By- Heather Earles

This recipe makes two loaves.

Prep Time: 4 hours

Oven Temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Cooking Time: 40 plus minutes depending on stove type

Ingredients and measurements:

  1. Active Dry Yeast, 1 Tablespoon, or 1 packet.
  2. Warm water, 2 1/2 cups.
  3. Salt, 1 Tablespoon (I use a little less)
  4. Unbleached all-purpose flour, 5 + cups.
  5. Olive oil, 1-2 Tablespoons.
  6. Lard/shortening, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
  7. Cornmeal, enough to sprinkle on the bottom of a pan.

Items needed:

  1. loaf pan, 2 or cookie sheet, 1
  2. Large bowl, 1
  3. Measuring cups
  4. Measuring spoons
  5. Kitchen towel
  6. Cooling Rack

Directions:

  • Take your large bowl and measure 4 1/2 cups of flour into it. Now make a well in the center.
flour
  • In your glass measuring container, add 2 1/2 cups of warm water. If you do not have a measuring container that can hold 2 1/2 cups, use a small glass bowl. Once the water is in the bowl, add your packet or 1 Tablespoon of yeast. Let sit for five minutes.
pouring yeast into water
  • Now add your 1 Tablespoon of salt. If you prefer less salt, use the desired amount. Stir into the yeast mixture until dissolved.
pouring salt in yeast and water mixture
  • When the salt is dissolved, pour the mixture into the center of your flour well.
  • Cover and let sit for fifteen minutes. This is called sponging.
  • When your twenty minutes is up, remove the towel. You should see little bubbles on the top.
stirring yeast mixture into flour
  • Start stirring with a fork from the center of the flour and work your way toward the outside until you have a sticky dough.
mixing bread dough
  • From here, keep adding flour and knead your dough until you have a spongy, not sticky, consistency. In other words, when you press on the dough slightly after kneading it, the dough should spring slightly back. 
dough after kneading
  • Add your olive oil on top and roll dough around in it, so the olive oil covers all sides.
  • Place a towel over the top and let rise until dough is double in size.
letting sicilian bread rise
  • Once it has risen, make a fist and press down in the middle of the dough to deflate it.
deflating dough
  • Place the cover back over the top and let the dough rise again.
  • While the dough is rising, you can prepare your pans or cookie sheet. With your fingers or a paper towel, rub lard or shortening on the bottom, and a little up the sides if using loaf pans. Now, sprinkle your cornmeal or flour on the bottom and tip over pans or cookie sheets to remove any excess.
dusting a pan with flour
  • Next, split the dough in half and shape each piece into an oblong form to fit into two loaf pans or on your cookie sheet.
  • Cover one more time and let rise.
  • Once desired height is reached, place the pans into your already heated oven.
  • Set a cup of water or bowl in the oven if you want a chewy crust.
  • Cook for 40 minutes depending on your type of oven or until the bottom is golden and the bread sounds hollow when you flick the top of a loaf with your finger.
  • In the picture, you will see two loaves of finished Sicilian Bread. The first one has nothing on it, while the second I have rubbed a little more olive oil on the top to give it a golden hue.
two loaves of Sicilian Bread
  • Let finished bread cool on a wire rack and serve with a homemade soup or fresh with a little butter and honey.

Enjoy your new recipe, and remember to share it with a friend!

Heather Earles
Heather Earles

Heather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.”

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