Italian Country Bread Mix
Go Italian! Make Italian bread, roasted garlic bread, and more.
Can I use this mix in my 1 pound capacity or 1.5 pound capacity bread machine?
We have designed our mixes specifically for 2 lb. capacity machines. However, you may still find success with 1.5 lb. capacity machines. You may expect to see the top of the loaf touch the lid of the machine towards the end of the baking cycle. This may lead to imperfect baking in that one spot on the loaf. The rest of the loaf should be fine. For 1 lb. bread machines, we recommend only running the bread on the dough cycle and then transfer the dough to a pan for baking in a conventional oven. See packaging for more info.
Why do the directions ask me to use a thermometer?
Yeast is very sensitive to heat and other environmental factors. We have tested and designed our mixes to find the sweet spot for yeast activity to get the best rise. Even just a few degrees off on water temperature can make a big impact on the quality of your bread. Measuring the temperature of your water accurately is the best way to ensure consistently successful bread baking.
I followed the directions exactly and I see had a problem with my bread? What can I do?
Sometimes bread issues happen. We are happy to help. Send us a picture of your bread and a picture of the back packaging of your bread mix to our customer support email at customerservice@preparedpantry.com. Include as much detail as possible about your baking process and bread machine model so we can troubleshoot the cause of the issue.
Should I adjust my mix for high altitudes?
We don't recommend making any changes to the mix for high altitudes. We have tested our mixes in a variety of locations and have fine tuned each mix to be the best product possible.
I don't have a bread machine or a stand-type mixer. Can I still make this bread in my oven?
- Yes! Our bread mixes are designed for bread machines or oven. You can make them in a variety of ways such as a free standing artisan loaf, rolls, hamburger buns and more. See our Bread Baking Guide for more info on baking bread in the oven.
- Is this a sourdough bread? Not really. It's a European country sour—a little sour without being a full-blown sourdough. It tastes slightly sourdough, not nearly like a full sourdough bread. but more character and taste than a grocery store loaf.
- Is it crusty like a sourdough? It's more like a French bread—crusty on the outside but soft in the middle. It's more crackly than chewy. The interior is creamy and soft.
- What's the difference between a French bread and an Italian bread? Both French and Italian breads are broad in scope and can vary from region to region with overlap. Some Italian breads have herbs--this one doesn't. Some Italian breads have traces of olive oil and milk. This one has a touch of dairy.
- Will my kids like it? Kids like white bread. This is white.
- Can I make it round or long? You can make it any shape you want, even sandwich rolls.
- Why is the water temperature important? The ideal temperature for yeast is 79 degrees. That's where yeast grows best.
- Is it sweet at all? Not really, pleasant, but not sweet.
- What do I need to add? Only water.
- It says "no preservatives." We add nothing except a touch of dough enhancer to help the yeast grow. Without preservatives, it won't last forever. If you're not going to use it in four or five days, freeze the extra.
"This bread is so good it's scary! Maybe it's perfect!"
Look What You Can Do With Your Bread!
See how to make Panzanella and Other Bread Salads.
There's so much you can do with this loaf! It works perfectly in a bread machine. You can make it in your oven in three easy steps, even freestanding loaves.
You can make roasted garlic bread. You can serve your bread with roasted garlic oil like at the restaurants.
This bread goes great with soups and chowders.
See how to make Panzanella Bread Salad.
See how to make Roasted Garlic Bread.
See how to make roasted garlic oil like at restaurants.
What others say:
"The Bread Has Risen!! There must be something special going on at Prepared Pantry by golly!! They are able to raise the dough and it tastes heavenly!! If that isn’t some sort of a miracle, I don’t know what is. Almost scary right?" robert janyk
"My Perfect Bread! I’ve tried many of the Prepared Pantry’s creations, but this bread has to be my favorite. It is moist with a crunchy outside and has the perfect chew. I can slice it thin and it doesn’t fall apart. Plus, it takes like Heaven." Linda Christensen
You can load it into your bread machine and push a button. You can set your bread machine to the "dough" setting and bake the bread in a pan or on a baking sheet. Or, you can use your stand-type mixer. Easy. Authentic.
"Well, let's just say you won't find a better basic bread anywhere. I no longer purchase bread at the supermarket, especially when I can easily have something so much better. Highly recommended!" Lana Mountford
"Absolutely delicious. My boyfriend doesn't want store-bought anymore. Sold! We love it." Larissa Smith
You'll love it too. Just try it.
All of the Prepared Pantry Bread ordered and prepared has been delicious and fail proof!
One of my favorite bread mixes. Simple to put together and turns out fantastic each and every time. Great texture and taste.
Makes your house smell like a pizzeria, but that’s a good thing! The Italian country bread mix tastes wonderful!
Always quick delivery and packaged well
I had a bad experience with this mix. I had dead yeast so no bread for dinner!!