Italian Gonnella Bread has unique qualities. Traditional Italian bread has an extended shape, crisp crust, and soft, chewy crumb.
Gonnella bread recipe, created with high-quality components including wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, is used to make sandwiches, paninis, and other dishes.
Italian and Italian-American cuisine, especially in Chicago, uses Gonnella Bread. Italian deli-style sandwiches use it as a basis, and soups, stews, and other dishes use it as a side. Gonnella Bread is popular for its taste, texture, and adaptability.
How To Make Gonnella Bread
I recall my first homemade Gonnella Bread, it was terrifying at first, but with research, practice, and a lot of flour-dusted hands, I was able to make a lovely loaf of bread that tasted just like the original Italian bread I had at my favorite local bakery. I felt so proud when I took that beautiful loaf out of the oven. From then on, I loved breadmaking.
Since then, I’ve experimented with Gonnella Bread, adding herbs, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The results have always been excellent. When I offer homemade Gonnella Bread to family and friends, their emotions are priceless. It tastes, smells, and feels, unlike store-bought bread. It’s a labor of love.
Enough talking—let’s bake! I’ll show you how to bake Gonnella Bread from scratch and share my tips and methods. Grab your apron, clean your baking sheet, and let’s make artisan bread! I guarantee divine results.
Gonnella Bread Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Cornmeal, for dusting
Step by Step Instructions to Make Gonnella Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
You can also divide the dough into two smaller loaves if you prefer smaller-sized Gonnella Bread.
Step 6: Final Rise
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven. This will create steam during baking and help to develop a crispy crust.
Step 8: Score the Dough
Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, score the top of the dough with a few diagonal slashes or a decorative pattern.
This will not only add an aesthetic touch to your Gonnella Bread but also allow it to expand during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Place the risen dough in the preheated oven and carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
This will help to create a crusty exterior on the bread. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once the Gonnella Bread is done baking, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Resist the temptation to cut into it while it’s still hot, as it needs time to set and develop its full flavor.
Once cooled, slice it and serve it with your favorite spreads, fillings, or simply with butter and enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked Gonnella Bread!
How to Serve Your Homemade Gonnella Bread
Warm: Gonnella Bread is best served warmly in the oven. Cool your bread on a wire rack after baking. Slice it into thick, crispy slices and serve it warm.
Your guests will be wowed by your baking talents and the aroma and flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: Gonnella Bread is ideal for thick spreads. It’s delicious with butter or extra virgin olive oil. To boost flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs to butter or olive oil. Crusty bread and rich spreads offer a memorable taste experience.
Charcuterie and Cheese: Gonnella Bread goes well with both. On a wooden board, arrange prosciutto, salami, coppa, aged cheddar, gouda, and brie. Olives, pickles, and fruits add color and freshness.
Slice Gonnella Bread and serve with the charcuterie and cheese. The rustic and stylish design and delicious combination of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and crusty bread will impress your guests.
Best Gonnella Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. You can also divide the dough into two smaller loaves if you prefer smaller-sized Gonnella Bread.
Step 6: Final Rise
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
- While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven. This will create steam during baking and help to develop a crispy crust.
Step 8: Score the Dough
- Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, score the top of the dough with a few diagonal slashes or a decorative pattern. This will not only add an aesthetic touch to your Gonnella Bread but also allow it to expand during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
- Place the risen dough in the preheated oven and carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. This will help to create a crusty exterior on the bread. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
- Once the Gonnella Bread is done baking, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the temptation to cut into it while it’s still hot, as it needs time to set and develop its full flavor.