Shepherd's Bread

Experience the rustic charm of homemade Shepherd's Bread, a golden, crusty loaf that combines traditional baking techniques with simple pantry staples. Perfectly soft on the inside with a hearty, crackling crust, this artisan-style bread is made with all-purpose flour, olive oil, and just a few key ingredients for a wholesome, comforting flavor. The addition of cornmeal on the baking tray prevents sticking while adding a subtle crunch to the base. With minimal hands-on prep and a beautifully aromatic bake, this recipe is ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Serve it warm with butter, alongside soups and stews, or as the foundation for your next gourmet sandwich. Embrace the art of bread-making and savor the satisfaction of crafting this timeless classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.

Step 2

Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a loose batter forms.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat lightly in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Cover the loaf with a clean towel and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam for a crusty exterior.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, make slashes in the top of the bread, about 1/4 inch deep, to allow it to expand while baking.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(921.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2163.5

Total Fat 34.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3554.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 401.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 13.8g
Protein 54.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 68.2mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 693.4mg	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: 14.4%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 75.5%