Italian Bread II (Single Rising) 🥖
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and this Italian Bread II (Single Rising) recipe has been a trusted favorite of mine for years. What sets this apart is the addition of butter to the dough, lending it a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or just enjoyed on its own. 🍞
Recipe Details
- Category: Yeast Breads
- Keywords: Breads, European, Healthy, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Yield: 2 large loaves
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1575.8
- Total Fat: 34.4g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 81.3mg
- Sodium: 2585.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 271.4g
- Fiber: 10.8g
- Sugars: 7.4g
- Protein: 40.3g
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | dry yeast |
| 1 | sugar |
| 1 | warm water |
| 1/3 | cup butter |
| 3/4 | cup warm water |
| 2 | tsp salt |
| 5 1/2 – 6 | cups flour |
| cornmeal |
Instructions
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Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 2 dry yeast, 1 sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside in a warm place for 30 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble slightly.
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Add Butter and Salt: Once the yeast mixture is activated, add 1/3 cup butter, 2 tsp salt, and the remaining 3/4 cup warm water.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
-
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured board (it will be sticky). Gently fold in the remaining flour, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes.
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Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
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Shape the Loaves: Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 x 8 inches.
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Roll Up the Dough: Roll up each rectangle tightly lengthwise, pinching the seams to seal.
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Butter two baking sheets and sprinkle them with cornmeal for that extra crunch and flavor.
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Proof the Loaves: Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheets and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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Preheat the Oven: While the loaves are proofing, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
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Egg Wash: Just before baking, brush the risen loaves with a beaten egg wash for a beautiful, golden finish.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the loaves are beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This bread is fantastic when served warm with a slather of butter or alongside your favorite meals. Enjoy the heavenly aroma and delightful taste of homemade Italian bread! 🇮🇹🥖
This Italian Bread II (Single Rising) recipe is a true testament to the joys of homemade baking, offering a simple yet rewarding process that results in loaves of bread that are crusty on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making journey, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the magic of fresh, buttery Italian bread right in your own home! 🌟
