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stecca bread recipe

Stecca Bread Recipe

This easy Stecca Bread recipe delivers a rustic, crusty loaf with a chewy interior. Perfect as a sandwich base, table bread, or appetizer, this no-knead recipe is forgiving, flavorful, and customizable with toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups Warm water around 100°F/38°C
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil plus more for brushing
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes chopped olives, rosemary, or coarse salt for topping

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Dough scraper
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Parchment paper
  • 1 Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  2. First Rise (Overnight): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it with olive oil.
  4. Shape the Dough: Using floured hands or a scraper, gently divide dough into 3–4 portions. Stretch each into a log-like shape and place on the prepared sheet.
  5. Second Rise: Let shaped loaves rest for 1 hour, covered lightly with a towel.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  7. Add Toppings: Optionally press in cherry tomatoes, olives, or herbs into the tops. Brush with olive oil.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crusty. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

  • You can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour for extra chewiness.
  • Store cooled bread in a paper bag to maintain crust. Reheat in oven for crispness.
  • Use as a base for bruschetta or dip into soups like Cold Cucumber Mint Soup.
stecca bread recipe
stecca bread recipe