Description

This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread recipe delivers a simple, no-knead bread perfect for making delicious panini sandwiches. Using basic pantry staples, this bread has a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior, making it ideal for grilling or toasting. Minimal effort is required, making it a great choice for beginner bakers seeking homemade bread without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Tsp Instant Yeast
½ Tsp Sugar
1 Tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

2 Cups Warm Water
1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add in the warm water and olive oil, stirring everything with a spatula until no dry flour remains.
Fold the Dough: With wet hands, lift one corner of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl about 45 degrees and repeat this folding process 8 times in total to develop the dough’s structure without kneading.
First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 hour until it visibly puffs up and nearly doubles in size.
Prepare Dough Pieces: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the risen dough out onto it. Flour the top of the dough as well, then cut it into 6 equal pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
Arrange for Baking: Transfer each dough piece directly onto a floured, parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 440°F (227°C). Bake the dough pieces for 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop a crusty exterior.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing or serving to ensure the interior sets properly.

Notes

Use instant yeast for best results since it does not require proofing.
Do not knead the dough extensively; the folding technique helps develop gluten gently.
The bread is best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat slices in a toaster or skillet for perfect paninis.
Ensure water is warm (about 105°F-110°F) to activate the yeast but not so hot as to kill it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking, No-Knead
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bread piece (approx. 80g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: No-knead bread, crusty bread, panini bread, easy homemade bread, simple bread recipe