Golden Butter Bliss: Easy Italian Bread Recipe

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

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.

6. Shape the Loaves: Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 x 8 inches.

7. Roll Up the Dough: Roll up each rectangle tightly lengthwise, pinching the seams to seal.

8. Prepare Baking Sheets: Butter two baking sheets and sprinkle them with cornmeal for that extra crunch and flavor.

9. 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.

10. Preheat the Oven: While the loaves are proofing, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

11. Egg Wash: Just before baking, brush the risen loaves with a beaten egg wash for a beautiful, golden finish.

12. 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.

13. 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! 🌟