Garlic Bread from Scratch

For the Italian Loaf:

• 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast (2 packets)

• ½ cup warm water

• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

• 2 cups hot water (not boiling)

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon salt

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg white for brushing on loaves

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can sub vegan butter)

• 4-6 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Make the Italian Loaf (makes 2 loaves):

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water (heated to 110°F) along with 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl.

2. In a large mixing bowl or the

3. bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of hot water (115-120°F), 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, salt, and oil. Add 3 cups of flour to this mixture and mix thoroughly. Stir in the yeast mixture.

4. Add 2 to 3 more cups of flour, mixing until everything is well blended. The dough will still be quite sticky at this stage. Leave it in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour. (If you're using a stand mixer, remove the bowl from the mixer and cover it—this prevents the dough from sticking to the paddle or dough hook as it rises.) No kneading is required.

5. After the dough has risen, if it's too sticky to work with, gradually add more flour in small amounts (about 1/4 cup at a time) until it's manageable. Avoid drying out the dough.

6. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the desired loaf size. Roll each piece out on a floured surface to the desired length, then roll it up lengthwise like a jelly roll. If the dough is still sticky, add a little more flour, but keep it soft and pliable.

7. Place the rolled loaves seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, tucking the ends underneath. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal slashes across the tops of the loaves, spaced a couple of inches apart.

8. Cover the loaves and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F.

10. Whisk an egg white and brush it over the tops of the loaves.

11. Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes, then let them cool before moving on.

For the Garlic Bread:

1. Freeze one of the loaves to use at a later date.

2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice bread in half lengthwise and place on a large baking sheet, cut sides up.

3. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, parsley, seasoning, and salt together until well combined. Spread evenly over bread with a pastry brush or fork.

4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until desired crispiness. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before using a bread knife to cut into slices.

5. Enjoy! Serve with classic ziti and my homemade turkey meatballs.