Italian Bread Wedges: A Slice of Comfort

The scent of Italian bread baking in the oven instantly transports me back to my Nonna’s kitchen. Every Sunday, the aroma of yeast and herbs would fill her small house, promising a warm and comforting meal. Her bread was always served alongside a simple pasta dish, and it was the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last bit of delicious sauce. These Italian Bread Wedges capture that same spirit of warmth and simplicity, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 large sheet of wedges
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash pepper
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ⅓ cup Kraft Italian dressing
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Greased cookie sheet
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, flour, and instant yeast.
2. Let rise for 30 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
3. Spread the risen dough evenly onto a greased cookie sheet. Ensure the dough covers the sheet completely, creating a uniform thickness.
4. In a small bowl, mix the Kraft Italian dressing with the pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and thyme. This creates a flavorful and aromatic topping for the bread wedges.
5. Spread the Italian dressing mixture evenly over the dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent burst of flavor in every bite.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dressing-covered dough. The mozzarella will provide a melty, stretchy texture, while the Parmesan adds a salty, savory note.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the bread to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven while it preheats. Transfer the greased cookie sheet with the dough onto the hot stone before baking.
• If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Simply dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the other ingredients.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the Italian dressing mixture. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Italian Bread Wedges are best served warm, straight from the oven. They are a perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, salads, soups, or even enjoyed on their own as a snack.

Store any leftover wedges in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the wedges in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may become slightly soft. For longer storage, freeze the wedges in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	175.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	64 g	37%
Total Fat	7.1 g	10%
Saturated Fat	2.2 g	11%
Cholesterol	9.2 mg	3%
Sodium	352.2 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	21.7 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Sugars	1.1 g	4%
Protein	6 g	12%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the blend you use.
• Vegan: Replace the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. Many brands offer delicious vegan mozzarella and Parmesan shreds that melt and taste great.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic powder in the dressing, or add a clove of minced garlic for an extra garlicky flavor.
• Herb Garden: Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme would be excellent choices.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the initial rise, punch down the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cookie sheet and continuing with the recipe.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
A: If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. A simple vinaigrette with oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of red pepper flakes would work well.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, asiago, or even a sprinkle of feta would be delicious.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the bread to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Q: Can I freeze the baked bread wedges?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked bread wedges. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Italian Bread Wedges as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own. And most importantly, share it with the people you love. Buon appetito!