Stuffed Italian Bread Recipe {with Pizza Toppings} (2024)

FAQs

Is pizza dough the same as Italian bread? ›

The main difference is that pizza dough is often made with a higher protein flour (bread flour is perfect). Bread dough can also be made with bread flour (of course) but some types of bread dough are better made with a lower protein flour like all purpose flour.

For the bread

Take some leftover pizza dough and on a lightly-floured work surface slice it in half using a dough scraper. Using your fingertips, push downwards on the dough and stretch it out to form two small rolls. Place the rolls onto a lightly-floured pizza peel. Slide the dough off the peel and into your oven.

Focaccia (pronounced fo-kah-cha) is a flat bread similar to pizza dough that can be either sweet or savory.

Yes. I used pizza yeast to make bread when there were yeast shortages. It was fine. If you've had it for a while, there's a risk that the yeast has died, so I would advise doing the proof step in warm sugar water and make sure it foams.

Eventually, she discovered that store-bought pizza dough worked perfectly. A baked loaf creates a bread that's chewy, while also having enough structure and durability to stand strong against fillings and the elements.

It takes different names in different parts of Italy. In Rome it is called pane casareccio, which means “homey bread.” In other areas, it is known as pane toscano, “Tuscan bread.” Italians usually get a half loaf or a whole loaf from the bakery.

The good news is, it doesn't really matter what kind of pizza oven you have, you can still bake a lovely crusty loaf in it, even if you own a gas oven from a brand other than Igneus.

Flour: Tipo 00 is a finely ground Italian flour that is considered the gold standard for pizza, pasta, and bread dough.

Halve a section of baguette or other French bread for an easy alternative crust that needs only to be topped and toasted. Due to its crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior, you'll get the crunch you want with a unique feel and a slightly tangy flavor.

Focaccia. Focaccia is another Italian bread that has exploded in popularity. It is a relative of pizza, that is oven baked and flat in shape. It is often seasoned with rosemary, sage, and sea salt before baking, and used in sandwiches like the panini.

What does focaccia mean in Italian? ›

The name focaccia derives from the Roman “panis focacius,” meaning “hearth bread”, referring to the fact that focaccia was traditionally baked in coals in Roman times. Its recipe back then consisted of rough flour, olive oil, water, a very small quantity of yeast, and salt, and was probably quite plain.

But the difference between the two really comes down to the ingredients, they both need flour, water, and salt, but pizza dough has an additional ingredient, yeast. Pizza dough is a leavened dough where flatbread is unleavened, giving it that flat texture.

You can substitute yeast with equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. So if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of yeast, you can use half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Keep in mind that the bread will not need the typical proofing time and the dough will begin rising right away.

Dry yeast or powdered yeast, on the other hand, can be preserved much longer and, unlike fresh yeast, must be reactivated in a mixture of warm water and sugar, before being used. Preparing the pizza dough with dry yeast is an excellent alternative if you don't have fresh brewer's yeast in the refrigerator.

Active Dry Yeast is an ideal yeast to use for artisan breads or no knead breads that require a slower rise time. It's also the preferred type of yeast for those doughs that proof in the refrigerator for extended periods of time.

The original Italian pizza is usually thinner and made with mozzarella and tomatoes. People usually eat this dish for dinner. Italians take extra care and time to create their pizza dough. They allow the dough to sit and rise for three days to make it light and fluffy.

Focaccia bread is a popular Italian flatbread that makes an ideal base for pizza. Thick, hearty focaccia stands up well to heavy toppings and has lots of holes and dimples to trap melted cheese and sauce. Focaccia dough is made from bread flour, olive oil, salt, yeast, and warm water.

Save time by swapping your regular pizza dough for simple substitutes. Our alternative bases include pitta bread, naan, puff pastry, wraps and polenta. Whether you're short of flour or don't have time to make a pizza base, we've compiled 10 simple shortcuts using shop-bought substitutes.

Pizza vs Focaccia

The primary difference is how much yeast is added to the dough and therefore how much the dough is able to rise. Focaccias use more yeast, which gives it a lighter, fluffier texture than a traditional pizza dough and is more closely resembles leavened bread.