This No Knead Italian Panini Bread recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread but doesn’t want to spend hours kneading and waiting. With minimal effort, you can make soft, crusty panini bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or served alongside your favorite Italian dishes. The best part? No kneading is required, and it comes together easily with a simple rise.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 2-3 hours
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 8-10 panini rolls
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.
Dietary Information:
- Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, can be made vegan by omitting honey.
- Suitable for: Meat-free diets, vegetarian diets.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal (per 1 roll)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Toast slices directly from the freezer for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No kneading required—just mix and let the dough rise!
- Crispy, golden crust with a soft, airy interior.
- Versatile and easy—perfect for making sandwiches, dipping, or as a side dish.
- Simple ingredients—no complicated or hard-to-find items.
- Quick and rewarding—perfect for beginner bakers or busy home cooks!
Conclusion:
This No Knead Italian Panini Bread is an easy, foolproof recipe that yields delicious, fresh bread with minimal effort. Whether you’re making paninis, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying with your favorite soup, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with no kneading involved, anyone can make it! Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft inside in just a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser bread.
- Can I make this dough in a bread machine?
- Yes, you can use the dough cycle on a bread machine to mix and rise the dough.
- How can I make this bread more flavorful?
- Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- Yes, active dry yeast works just as well, but you need to activate it in warm water before using it.
- Can I freeze the dough before baking?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.
- Can I bake this bread in a round shape?
- Yes, you can shape the dough into a round loaf, just like traditional Italian bread.
- What can I use if I don’t have olive oil?
- You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter.
- How can I make the crust crunchier?
- Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, which will give you a crispier crust.
- How long can I store the bread?
- The bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Can I add cheese or other fillings to the dough?
- Yes, you can mix in shredded cheese, olives, or other herbs to add flavor to the bread dough.