Sheepherder Bread
Dive into the rich, rustic tradition of baking with Sheepherder Bread, a timeless classic that boasts a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crusty exterior. This homemade bread recipe combines simple pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and melted butter—into a warm, hearty loaf reminiscent of old-world comfort. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, the dough is kneaded to perfection, hand-shaped into a round loaf, and adorned with a decorative scoring pattern before baking. Whether served fresh from the oven with a pat of butter or paired with hearty soups and stews, this artisanal bread is a satisfying centerpiece. With step-by-step instructions and an approachable prep time, Sheepherder Bread is your go-to recipe for a flavorful, traditional bread-baking experience that’s ideal for sharing. Keywords: sheepherder bread recipe, homemade bread, rustic bread, traditional bread baking, artisan bread loaf.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to come together.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Stop adding flour once the dough is soft but not sticky.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Grease a large bowl with a small amount of butter or oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat the surface lightly with grease.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Form the dough into a large round loaf by pulling the edges into the center, creating a smooth surface.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make an 'X' or similar decorative pattern on the top.
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2920 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 4734 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 574.5 g | 209% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.6 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.6 g | ||
| Protein | 74.6 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 33.4 mg | 186% | |
| Potassium | 778 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
