The purpose of greasing or buttering the top of the bread dough during the first rising is to prevent a dry “crust” from forming on the dough. This dry crust can be kneaded back into the bread dough without consequence to the bread’s flavor, but it is extra work that can be avoided by greasing the dough top.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Approximately 2 minutes.
Here's How:
- Grease a bowl that is 2 to 3 times larger than the amount of dough. Use butter, shortening, or a cooking oil.
- Put the dough in the bowl.
- Slide dough over and turn upside down.
- The bread dough is now greased on top. Cover bowl with a clean cloth to keep out drafts.
Tips:
- Keep bread dough covered to protect the dough from drying out and to keep off dust.
What You Need:
- Bowl
- Butter, shortening, or cooking oil
- Clean cloth
