Italian Sweet Bread

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

2 loaves (16 pieces each)

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. —Kim Ooms, Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Italian Sweet Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • EGG WASH:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Italian seasoning, optional

Directions

  1. In bread machine pan, place the first 7 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
  2. When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place in 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  3. Beat egg and water; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Bread Machine Timer
We recommend you do not use a bread machine's time-delay feature for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 87 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.