Recipe for Italian-Style Sesame Loaf
Rustic Italian-style sesame loaf with a golden crust, soft interior, and nutty aroma from toasted sesame seeds.
Portion: 1 large oval loaf
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours (approx.)
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- Bread Flour: 500g (approx. 4 cups)
- Warm Water: 320ml (approx. 1 ⅓ cups)
- Active Dry Yeast: 7g (1 packet or 2 ¼ tsp)
- Sugar or Honey: 1 tsp
- Salt: 10g (2 tsp)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (optional)
For the Topping
- Sesame Seeds: ½ cup
- Egg White or Milk: For brushing
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
Combine flour and salt. Make a well, add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until shaggy.
3. Knead
- By hand: Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Stand mixer: Use dough hook on low/medium for 5–7 minutes.
4. First Rise
Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Shape the Loaf
Punch down dough, shape into rectangle, roll tightly into a log, tuck ends, and form an oval.
6. Add the Sesame Seeds
Brush with egg white or milk. Coat with sesame seeds.
7. Second Rise
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, rise 30–45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Score and Bake
Make 3 diagonal slashes ½ inch deep. Bake 30–35 minutes. Optional: tray of water for steam during first 10 minutes.
9. Cool
Cool completely on wire rack before slicing. Loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
Tips
- Slash quickly for distinct openings.
- Tent foil if browning too fast.
- Cloth-lined basket keeps loaf warm while serving.
