Bon Appetit’s Italian Pepper Bread

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 11

Delightful Italian Pepper Bread

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

1 hour 5 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

2 round loaves

Calories

168 per slice

Sugar

Fat

1.8g

The Italian Pepper Bread is a traditional Italian bread that has been popular for centuries. The addition of salt pork and cracked black pepper gives this bread a unique flavor that sets it apart from other breads. This bread is perfect to serve at family gatherings or special events, as it is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests. When sliced, this bread reveals a beautiful golden crust and soft, chewy interior that is sure to delight all who taste it.

Instructions

1.	In a skillet, cook salt pork over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pork to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool.
2.	In a large bowl, stir together warm water, salt, cracked black pepper, yeast, and 4 cups of flour until smooth. Gradually mix in enough remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.
3.	Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4.	Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a baking sheet. Punch down dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in the cooled salt pork.
5.	Cut dough into 2 pieces and roll each piece out into an 8-inch wide round. Brush each round with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt (optional).
6.	Bake rounds on prepared baking sheet until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

PROS

The Italian Pepper Bread is a flavorful and unique bread that has a crispy crust and chewy interior.

The salt pork adds a savory touch that pairs well with the cracked black pepper.

This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish for soup or stew.

CONS

This bread is not gluten-free, so individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should not consume it.

Salt pork is high in sodium, so this bread should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not particularly healthy, this bread can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.
The black pepper in this recipe has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while the salt pork contributes to the bread’s protein content.

	1 lb salt pork , diced
	2 1/4 cups warm water
	1 tablespoon salt
	2 teaspoons coarsely cracked black pepper
	2 envelopes dry yeast
	6 1/2 - 7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
	1 egg , lightly beaten
	coarse salt ( optional )