Carino’s Italian Grill bread, with its golden crust and pillowy softness, was a beloved staple that many diners still crave. Though the restaurant has closed, you can easily recreate this famous bread at home.
This recipe will guide you through making authentic Carino s-style bread from scratch. You’ll learn the secrets behind its signature texture, discover the key ingredients that made it so special, and master the techniques that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making journey, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve that perfect loaf every time.
What Made Carino’s Bread So Special
Carino’s bread was unique for its ingredient blend and baking methods, yielding a loaf that was both soft and chewy.
The bread had a tender interior, a golden crust, and a slight sweetness, making it perfect for pasta or enjoyed on its own. Achieving this flavor and texture depends on using proper ingredients and undergoing proper fermentation.
Essential Ingredients for Carino’s Bread
Creating authentic Carino’s bread requires attention to ingredient quality and proportions. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Olive oil and butter add richness, and the egg creates a tender crumb. Use all-purpose flour for a soft, authentic texture, or bread flour for an extra-chewy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy, to ensure it’s active for leavening.
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, then make a well. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and egg. Mix the ingredients into the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand until it is smooth. If too wet, add flour; if too dry, add water, a little at a time.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
The ideal rising temperature is 75-80°F. To promote warmth, set the bowl on your fridge or in an oven with the light on.
Shaping and Second Rise
After doubling, punch down the dough, then shape into a loaf or rolls.
Place shaped dough on a lined or greased pan. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Baking Process
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush dough with butter, sprinkle with seasonings and salt.
Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding. Aim for a 190°F internal temperature.
Tips for Perfect Results
Quality bread requires attention to detail. Here are tips for success:
Use a thermometer when activating yeast. Water that’s too hot kills yeast; too cold doesn’t activate it.
Don’t rush the rise. More time means better flavor and texture. Colder kitchens require patience.
Bread should be golden and sound hollow. If browning fast, tent with foil and continue baking.
Add steam by placing a pan of hot water in the oven for the first 15 minutes to boost the crust.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Carino’s bread warm, or wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, slice and freeze up to three months. Rewarm bread briefly in the microwave or oven.
Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, alongside pasta, soup, or salad. For garlic bread, slice, butter, and toast.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:
Dense or heavy bread typically indicates insufficient kneading, inactive yeast, or insufficient rising time. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated, and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
Over-proofing causes collapse. Punch down, rise, but shorten the next rise.
Dry bread often means too much flour or too little fat. Spoon flour, and use oil and egg as directed.
Bringing Restaurant Quality to Your Kitchen
Making Carino’s bread connects you to tradition and offers satisfying, delicious results at home.
Start with this basic recipe and take action by trying your own twists. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or experiment with different seeds. Don’t hesitate—your bread-making adventure begins now with these foundational techniques!
With practice, you’ll master every stage of dough-making. Dive in now and experience making bread that rivals restaurant favorites—and share your delicious creations with loved ones!
