Sheepherder's Bread
Dive into the rustic heritage of baking with Sheepherder's Bread, a delightfully soft and hearty loaf baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven. This old-world recipe combines simple pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, milk, and butter—with traditional techniques, such as hand-kneading and a double rise, resulting in a dough that bakes into a tender, flavorful centerpiece. The rich, buttery aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen as the crust develops a satisfying golden hue. Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or simply slathering with butter, this no-fuss homemade bread showcases timeless comfort. Ideal for those seeking a classic, foolproof bread recipe, Sheepherder's Bread is a must-try for novice and experienced bakers alike.
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Ingredients
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
Directions
Step 1
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat until the butter has melted and the liquid is warm but not hot to the touch (approximately 110-115°F). Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the active dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4
Add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Continue until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly sticky.
Step 5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7
Punch the dough down to release the air and shape it into a round loaf. Place the dough into a greased 4-5 quart Dutch oven or a deep baking dish.
Step 8
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid (or use a large piece of aluminum foil to cover the dish tightly), and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place the Dutch oven in the oven and bake for 25 minutes with the lid on.
Step 10
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 11
Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1278.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3075.3 |
| Total Fat 36.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 18.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g | |
| Cholesterol 84.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4843.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 589.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 38.5g | |
| Protein 86.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 107.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 426.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 33.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1348.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories