Rustic Shepherd's Bread
This Rustic Shepherd's Bread is a warm, hearty loaf perfect for sharing with family and friends. Infused with rich flavor from melted margarine or shortening, and a touch of sweetness from the sugar, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home. With its golden crust and soft, chewy interior, it's ideal for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with butter. Perfect for gatherings or comforting weekday meals, follow this simple recipe to create a delicious loaf from scratch that echoes the cozy, communal spirit of shepherding.
1
Servings
3000
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot water
3 cups (heat until warm to the touch)
salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
margarine or shortening
1/2 cup (melted)
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (make sure it's fresh)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
9 1/2 cups (measured)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot water, melted margarine or shortening, sugar, and salt. Stir until the margarine or shortening is completely melted and evenly mixed in.
2
Allow the mixture to cool down to a warm temperature (about 110°F / 43°C). This is important for the yeast activation.
3
Once the mixture is warm, stir in the active dry yeast. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm environment for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
4
Add 5 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick batter forms.
5
Gradually add in the remaining flour (approximately 3 1/2 cups), mixing until a stiff dough begins to form.
6
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and begin kneading it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Add additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
7
Grease a Dutch oven generously with margarine or shortening, then place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or a clean kitchen towel.
8
Set the Dutch oven in a warm place and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
9
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and knead it briefly on a floured board.
10
Return the dough to the greased Dutch oven, cover again, and let it rise until it pushes up against the lid by about 1/2 inch.
11
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered bread for 12 minutes.
12
After 12 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30-35 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
120g
Fat
450g
Carbs
60g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Shepherd's Bread?
Rustic Shepherd's Bread is a warm, hearty loaf with a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for sharing and comforting meals.
What are the main ingredients for this bread?
The main ingredients include hot water, salt, melted margarine or shortening, active dry yeast, sugar, and all-purpose flour.
How much water is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of hot water, which should be heated until warm to the touch.
What type of fat is used in Rustic Shepherd's Bread?
You can use 1/2 cup of either melted margarine or shortening.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sugar.
What kind of yeast should I use?
Use one 1/4 ounce package of fresh active dry yeast.
How much flour is needed total?
You will need approximately 9 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour in total.
At what temperature should I add the yeast?
The mixture should be cooled to a warm temperature of about 110°F (43°C) before adding the yeast.
How long does the yeast need to activate?
The yeast should sit in the warm mixture for 10-15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
How much flour is added in the first mixing stage?
You initially add 5 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture to form a thick batter.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What type of pan is used for baking?
This bread is baked in a Dutch oven.
How do I prepare the Dutch oven for the dough?
Grease the Dutch oven generously with margarine or shortening before placing the dough inside.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise takes about 1 hour in a warm place, or until the dough has doubled in size.
What do I do after the first rise?
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and knead it briefly on a floured board.
When is the dough ready for the oven after the second rise?
It is ready when the dough pushes up against the Dutch oven lid by about 1/2 inch.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat and bake the bread at 375°F (190°C).
How long does the bread bake with the lid on?
The bread should bake covered for the first 12 minutes.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 42 and 47 minutes (12 covered, plus 30-35 uncovered).
How do I know the bread is fully baked?
The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Should the bread be cooled before slicing?
Yes, let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
The total recipe contains 3000 calories.
How much fat is in the Shepherd's Bread?
There are 120 grams of fat in the total recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content?
The bread contains 450 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the bread?
The recipe provides 60 grams of protein.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
How many ingredients are used?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
Yes, its soft, chewy interior and golden crust make it ideal for sandwiches or toasting.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine or shortening, butter is a common substitution in yeast breads for added flavor.
How much salt is needed?
You will need 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt.