PREP TIME
10 Minutes
TOTAL
2 Hours 35 Minutes
COOK TIME
25 Minutes
RATING
All Purpose Flour or Bread Flour Water Instant Yeast Light Brown Sugar Salt Olive Oil Cooking Spray Milk (Optional)
Add the dough ingredients to a stand mixer with a dough attachment. Knead for approximately 7 minutes. Next, transfer the hard dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead with your hands for a couple of minutes until the dough becomes smooth with a firm, elastic texture.
Proof the dough in the Instant Pot on the yogurt setting for 2 hours until it has doubled in size. Punch the dough down and form into a ball on a floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 parts and push down with the heel of your hand.
Next, carefully roll the ball into a tight roll. The shape should be elongated with rounded ends. Repeat the steps of flattening and rolling the second ball and then place them both on a sheet, cover with a towel, and allow it to proof again for 30 minutes.
Coat the bread with milk. Next, using a razor blade, slash the dough widthwise about ¼ inch deep, keeping the blade at a 45 degree angle. Place a bowl of water in the bottom of the oven. Bake the bread at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on the bottom level oven rack.
Finally, for a nice crusty bread, allow the bread loaves to cool on a wire rack before slicing them with a bread knife and serving with olive oil, cheese, or your favorite dishes.