I just pulled these Avantis Bread Recipe out of the oven, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine.

Recreating the famous sweet bread from Avanti’s has been a passion project of mine, and I think I’ve finally perfected it.

The crust is perfectly golden, and the inside is so soft and slightly sweet, it’s just like the one I remember from the restaurant.

This recipe brings back so many good memories, and honestly, it’s much simpler to make than you might think. I’m so excited to share how you can bake this iconic bread at home.

Ingredients

The magic of this bread comes from a few simple, well-chosen ingredients. Using the right components is key to achieving that authentic texture and flavor.

3/4 cup warm water – The water should be around 110°F. This is warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it.
1/4 ounce active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast won’t bubble, and your bread won’t rise properly.
1 egg, beaten – A room temperature egg will mix more evenly into the dough, contributing to the bread’s rich flavor and soft structure.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Salt is crucial for controlling the yeast’s activity and tightening the gluten structure, as well as for flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (scant) – Use slightly less than a full half cup. This adds the signature sweetness without making it overly dessert-like.
3 cups bread flour – Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps develop strong gluten for a chewier, more structured loaf.
1 teaspoon vegetable oil – This adds a touch of fat for a softer crumb and helps prevent the dough from drying out.

Note: This recipe makes two 14-inch loaves, which serves about 4-6 people.

Variations

Once you master the classic recipe, you can experiment with some fun twists. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Herbed Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the flour for a savory version that’s perfect for sandwiches.
Cinnamon Sugar Top: For an extra sweet treat, brush the loaves with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Whole Wheat Blend: Replace one cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier flavor and a denser texture.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a plant-based version.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this to combine your ingredients and for the dough to rise.
Whisk or Fork: To beat the egg and mix the wet ingredients together.
Stand Mixer (Optional): A stand mixer with a dough hook can do the kneading for you, saving time and effort.
Baking Sheets: For baking the shaped loaves in the oven. Make sure they are greased well.
Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough while it rises, which keeps it from drying out.
Sharp Knife or Lame: For scoring the top of the bread before baking, allowing it to expand evenly.

How to Make Avanti’s Bread Recipe?

Baking this bread is a rewarding process that involves activating yeast, multiple rises, and careful shaping. While it takes time, the steps are simple to follow. The key to success is patience, especially during the rising stages, as this is where the bread develops its light and airy texture. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with two beautiful loaves of sweet, delicious bread.

Activate the Yeast

The first step is to wake up your yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes without stirring. You’ll know the yeast is active when you see a layer of small bubbles or foam form on the surface. If this doesn’t happen, your yeast may be old, and you should start over with a fresh packet.

Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, beaten egg, salt, and sugar. Pour in the yeast and water mixture and stir until everything is blended. Add the bread flour one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. After the first rise, gently punch the dough down, knead it for a minute, and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.

Shape and Bake the Loaves

After the second rise, punch the dough down and divide it into two equal pieces. Let the pieces rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Then, shape each piece into an oblong loaf about 14 inches long and place them on greased baking sheets. Cover the loaves and let them rise one last time for 50-60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Use a sharp knife to cut a slash down the middle of each loaf, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Avantis Bread Recipe — Credit: Pinterest

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through my own trial and error, I’ve discovered a few extra things that really elevate this bread.

I find that adding a tablespoon of butter-flavored shortening into the flour makes the bread much more moist and tender.
If your house is chilly like mine can be, let the dough rise in the oven with just the oven light on. It creates the perfect warm environment for the yeast.
For a softer crust, I like to brush the tops of the loaves with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Don’t be afraid to knead for the full 10 minutes. This is what develops the gluten and gives the bread that wonderful, slightly chewy texture.

How to Serve Avanti’s Bread Recipe?

This sweet bread is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, especially the famous Avanti’s Gondola sub. You can also simply slice it and serve it warm with a pat of butter. For breakfast, try using it to make French toast. When serving guests, I like to slice one loaf and leave the other whole on a wooden cutting board, allowing the beautiful golden crust to be admired before it’s cut.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate of the nutritional information per serving, assuming the recipe makes 12 servings.

Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g

Make Ahead and Storage

Proper storage will keep your homemade bread fresh and delicious.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the final rise.

Storage: Store the completely cooled bread in a bread box or a loosely sealed bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as that can make it go stale faster.

Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons, and here are a few you’ll appreciate.

Tastes Just Like the Real Thing: If you’re a fan of the bread from Avanti’s Italian restaurant, this copycat recipe will bring that beloved flavor right into your kitchen. It’s a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Perfect for Sandwiches and More: The bread’s slightly sweet flavor and sturdy-yet-soft texture make it the ideal base for hearty sandwiches, but it’s also delicious on its own or for French toast.
A Rewarding Baking Project: While it requires some patience with the rising times, the process is straightforward, making it a satisfying project for bakers of all skill levels.
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need any specialty items to make this bread. It relies on basic pantry staples that are easy to find at any grocery store.