Pesto and Parmesan Bread

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Dough base

1. 1
   Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.

   Bowl
2. 2
   Add the lukewarm water, pesto, Parmesan and olive oil and Knead about 13 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pliable and doesn't stick to your hands.

   ⚙ KneadingBowlStand mixer

   💡For yeast dough, use the windowpane test: a small piece stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, and that's the sign the kneading is done. Add flour only by the tablespoon, and only if the dough is still sticky after a few minutes: too much flour makes a tough dough.
3. 3
   Cover and Let rise about half an hour in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel

   💡Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough is ready when it has doubled, and a gentle finger press leaves a dent that fills back slowly; if it springs right back, wait longer.

To assemble

1. 4
   Divide the dough in half. Shape one half into 20 Buns and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   Baking panParchment paper
2. 5
   Shape the other half into a log and place it in elongated disposable pan, floured.

   Loaf pan
3. 6
   Beat the egg and brush it over the loaf and the rolls.

   Pastry brush
4. 7
   Let rise another 15 minutes.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel
5. 8
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) and place a pan of water on its bottom rack.

   ⚙ Preheating the OvenOven

   💡Put things in the oven only once it's reached temperature, after the heating light has gone off: an oven that hasn't reached temperature changes baking times, and the bake burns outside or stays underbaked.
6. 9
   Score a crisscross pattern on top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

   Knife

   💡The score decides where the bread opens in the oven: without it, the loaf bursts at a random spot on the side.
7. 10
   Bake 12 minutes, until the bread has risen and the crust starts to turn golden. Remove the water pan and bake 10 more minutes, until the bread is deep brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

   ⚙ BakingOvenBaking pan

   💡The steam from the water pan keeps the crust soft in the first minutes, giving the bread time to rise fully; without the water, the crust dries and turns crisp.

   💡Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.
8. 11
   Take the bread out of the pan and return it to the oven for 3 more minutes, so the sides get a crust too.

   OvenBaking pan