Golden Rustic Country Loaf
This Golden Rustic Country Loaf is a delightful homage to the traditional Midwestern bread-making techniques. With an exceptional texture and a subtly sweet flavor profile, this bread offers a rich, comforting taste that is perfect for any occasion. Based on a cherished recipe from the Panera Bread cookbook, this bread relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delightful culinary experience. Whether you choose to enjoy it fresh out of the oven, use it for sandwiches, or even toast it for breakfast, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home. The recipe yields two loaves, allowing you to freeze one for a later time, ensuring that freshly baked bread is always at your fingertips.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water
1 cup (Warm to about 110°F)
Active dry yeast
1 teaspoon (Active dry yeast (or 2/3 teaspoon rapid rise yeast))
All-purpose flour
1 cup (For the starter)
Warm water
3/4 cup (Warm to about 110°F)
Honey
3 tablespoons (Use raw or local honey for best flavor)
Active dry yeast
2 teaspoons (Active dry yeast (or 1 1/3 teaspoons rapid rise yeast))
Vegetable shortening
1/4 cup (Plus additional 1 teaspoon)
All-purpose flour
4 3/4 cups (For the dough)
Salt
1 tablespoon (Sea salt or kosher salt recommended)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Starter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and mix until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to activate.
2
Make the Dough: In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, combine 3/4 cup of warm water, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Mix until well-blended. Next, add 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening, 4 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, and the starter prepared earlier. Mix on low speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3
Test for Elasticity: Pinch off a small piece of dough and stretch it between your fingers to check the elasticity. If it stretches thin without breaking, it's ready.
4
Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal halves and shape each into a smooth ball. If you wish to freeze one loaf, wrap it tightly for later use. Place the dough balls on a clean countertop or in proofing baskets, cover with a warm, damp cloth, and allow them to rest for 30 minutes.
5
Preheat the Oven: While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400°F.
6
Final Shaping and Second Rise: Shape each dough ball into a loaf (either free-form or using a loaf pan). Cover again with a warm, damp cloth and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes.
7
Score and Bake: Carefully score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife. If you prefer a crisper crust, spritz the loaves with water. Place them in the preheated oven (on a baking stone if you’re using a free-form shape) and bake for 30-40 minutes. The loaves are done when they’re golden brown, and their internal temperature reaches about 195°F. A digital probe thermometer is ideal for checking doneness.
8
Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and take them out of the pan (if applicable). Place them on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Golden Rustic Country Loaf?
The Golden Rustic Country Loaf is a traditional Midwestern-style bread known for its exceptional texture, subtly sweet flavor, and comforting artisan appearance.
What was the inspiration for this bread recipe?
This recipe is based on a cherished entry from the Panera Bread cookbook, utilizing simple and wholesome ingredients.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields two loaves of bread.
Can I freeze the Golden Rustic Country Loaf?
Yes, you can wrap one dough ball tightly to freeze for later use, or freeze the baked loaf once it has cooled completely.
What is the first step in the baking process?
The first step is preparing the starter by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour, then letting it rest for 30 minutes.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be warm, ideally around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, to properly activate the yeast.
Can I use rapid rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute 2/3 teaspoon of rapid rise yeast in the starter and 1 1/3 teaspoons in the dough.
How much honey is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of honey, with raw or local honey recommended for the best flavor.
What type of flour should I use?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour for both the starter and the main dough.
What kind of fat is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening plus an additional teaspoon.
How long should I mix the dough in the stand mixer?
Mix the dough on low speed for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How can I tell if the dough has enough elasticity?
Pinch off a small piece of dough and stretch it between your fingers; if it stretches thin without breaking, it is ready.
How long does the dough need to rest after the initial shaping?
After dividing and shaping into balls, the dough should rest for 30 minutes under a warm, damp cloth.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is there a second rise period?
Yes, after the final shaping into loaves, let them rest for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
Why should I score the top of the loaves?
Scoring with a sharp knife allows the bread to expand evenly in the oven and creates a professional, rustic look.
How do I get a crispier crust on my bread?
Spritz the loaves with a bit of water just before placing them in the oven to help develop a crisper crust.
Can I bake this as a free-form loaf?
Yes, you can bake it free-form on a baking stone or use a standard loaf pan.
How long does the baking process take?
The loaves typically bake for 30 to 40 minutes until they are golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for the bread?
The bread is done when its internal temperature reaches approximately 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to check for doneness?
Using a digital probe thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the center of the loaf is fully baked.
How long should the bread cool before slicing?
Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to set the internal structure before slicing.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for the best flavor balance.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, its texture and subtle sweetness make it an excellent choice for sandwiches or breakfast toast.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include homemade bread, country-style, yeast bread, midwestern recipe, baking, artisan loaf, and comfort food.
Does the recipe require a starter?
Yes, a simple 30-minute starter is used to activate the yeast and develop flavor before mixing the main dough.
How much total flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 5 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour (1 cup for the starter and 4 3/4 cups for the dough).
What is the role of vegetable shortening in this bread?
Vegetable shortening helps create a tender crumb and contributes to the bread's soft, comforting texture.
Should the cloth used for covering the dough be dry?
No, it is recommended to use a warm, damp cloth to keep the dough from drying out during the resting phases.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, by using simple ingredients and a stand mixer, this recipe is a great introduction to making artisan-style country bread at home.