Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsPesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar6″ House-made Bread Recipe

6″ House-made Bread Recipe

Time2h
Serves4

OPTIONS | Grilled Chicken | Sausage & Peppers | Meatball Parmigiana | Chicken Parmigiana | Eggplant Parmigiana | ADD FRIES OR SALAD 5.5

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Ingredients

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Bread

Fillings (Optional)

Method

Bread Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate the Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Mix the Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

    Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.

  4. 4

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    First Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  6. 6

    Shape the Dough

    After the dough has risen, punch it down, then shape it into a 6-inch round loaf.

  7. 7

    Second Rise

    Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

  8. 8

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  9. 9

    Bake the Bread

    Bake the dough in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

  10. 10

    Cool the Bread

    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Filling Preparation

  1. 11

    Prepare Fillings (Optional)

    If using grilled chicken, sausage, or eggplant, cook them as preferred (grilling, sautéing, or baking) and set aside.

  2. 12

    Assemble the Sandwich

    Once the bread is cooled and sliced, layer your choice of fillings, including marinara sauce and cheese, onto the bread.

  3. 13

    Serve

    Optionally, serve with a side of fries or salad.

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