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Scali Bread Recipe

Scali Bread Recipe

This traditional Scali Bread Recipe creates a beautiful, braided Italian-American loaf topped with sesame seeds and baked to golden perfection. With a soft, airy crumb and nutty crust, it’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or to enjoy warm with butter. Easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for special occasions!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: bread
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Preferment Sponge:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup water room temperature
  • ⅛ tsp active dry or instant yeast
  • For the Dough:
  • All of the preferment
  • 2 – 2½ cups all-purpose flour adjust as needed
  • 1 tsp instant yeast or 1¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup warm milk or water + 1 tbsp dry milk powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 egg white + 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • ¼ – ½ cup sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Make the Preferment: Mix flour, water, and yeast in a small bowl. Cover and let sit at room temp for 6–12 hours (overnight is best) until bubbly.
    Scali Bread Recipe
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl or mixer, combine the preferment, flour, yeast, salt, sugar, milk, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand (10–12 mins) or with dough hook (8–10 mins) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
  4. Shape the Loaf: Punch down dough, divide into 3 equal parts, and roll each into a rope. Braid the ropes and pinch ends to seal. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Second Rise: Cover and let the braided loaf rise until puffy (about 45–60 mins).
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Add Toppings & Bake: Brush loaf with egg wash, then generously sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  8. Cool: Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 1 hour before slicing for best texture
    Scali Bread Recipe

Notes

  • Starter Shortcut: In a pinch, skip the preferment and mix all ingredients directly, but flavor won’t be as deep.
  • Flour Tip: You may need more or less flour depending on humidity—add slowly and monitor dough texture.
  • Storage: Keeps well at room temp for 3–4 days in an airtight bag. Slice and freeze for longer storage.
  • Variations: Add herbs or cheese to the dough, or swap sesame seeds with poppy or everything bagel seasoning.
  • Beginner Tip: Don’t stress about perfect braiding! It bakes beautifully regardless.
  • Scali Bread Recipe