Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

1 . Stage

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Place 1 1/3 cups warm water, olive oil, flour, brown sugar, salt, and yeast into a bread machine in the order listed, or follow the order recommended by your manufacturer if different. Run the Dough cycle, about 90 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

Sprinkle cornmeal onto a cutting board. Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and form into two loaves. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Place loaves, seam-side down, onto the cutting board; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

6 . Stage

Beat egg and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl; brush over risen loaves. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Use a sharp knife to quickly cut one long slash down the center of each loaf. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

8 . Stage

Gently shake the cutting board to make sure the loaves are not sticking; use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen them if necessary. Slide loaves onto a baking sheet with a quick but careful motion. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

9 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios