4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Alternatively, divide into rolls for smaller portions.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it rises just above the pan’s edge. This second rise creates the bread’s signature fluffiness.
7. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a softer crust, brush the top with butter immediately after baking.
8. Cool & Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
