Melanie's Onion Bread/Rolls

1 onion, finely chopped
1 TBSP butter
2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
2 TBSP white sugar
1 1/2 c warm water
2 tsp salt
2 TBSP butter
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
3 1/2 c bread flour
2 TBSP butter, melted

Cook onions in 1 TBSP butter until transparent and a little golden. Let cool. Dissolve yeast & sugar in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. Stir salt, butter, onions, Italian seasoning and 2 1/2 c flour into yeast mixture. Knead in remaining 1 c flour until dough is just a little sticky. Return dough to oiled bowl and let rest in warm place until doubled in volume.

Stir to deflate and place into lightly buttered 8x8" baking dish. OR form into rolls and pack tightly into pan to make the bread easier to serve. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise about 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brush rolls lightly with melted butter and bake for about 40-45 minutes.