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.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:215 mins

Servings: 12

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

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.

Step 2

Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1385.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2920.0

Total Fat 30.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 4733.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 574.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 74.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 103.9mg	0%
Iron 33.4mg	0%
Potassium 777.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.4%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 80.1%