Savory Acorn Squash Artisan Bread
This Savory Acorn Squash Artisan Bread celebrates the flavors of the fall harvest and the tradition of early American baking. The addition of roasted acorn squash lends a unique sweetness and moist texture, while sage heightens the natural earthiness of the squash. Perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a pat of butter, this recipe yields two beautiful loaves that are as delightful to eat as they are to behold. Each slice is a nod to culinary heritage, infused with warmth and nostalgia, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings and festive occasions.
N/A
Servings
47
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
1 large (1 1/4 to 1.5 lb) (Halved and seeds removed)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (Warm)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Unsalted; for sugar mixture)
Salt
1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour
5 3/4-6 1/4 cups (Divided)
Active Dry Yeast
1 3/4 teaspoons
Dried Sage
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed)
Milk
1 tablespoon (For brushing)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted, for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by washing the acorn squash thoroughly, then slice it in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut a 1-inch thick slice from one of the halves and set this aside for later use. Place the squash halves, cut side down, into a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
2
Once cooked, remove the squash pulp from the shells and measure out 1 cup of the squash into a medium saucepan. Stir in the warm 1 1/2 cups of milk, sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and salt. Heat gently until the mixture reaches a temperature between 120°F and 130°F, then set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, active dry yeast, and crushed sage. Add the warm squash mixture, and using an electric mixer, beat on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl as needed. Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 3 minutes.
4
Gradually stir in remaining flour using a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it, adding enough flour to create a moderately stiff dough that is both smooth and elastic—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once ready, shape the dough into a ball.
5
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to grease the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, which will take about 45 to 60 minutes.
6
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it back to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half and cover the portions with a towel to rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease two 8x4x2-inch loaf pans.
7
Shape each dough portion into a loaf by gently tucking the edges under, then place them into the greased loaf pans. Cover with a towel again and let rise until nearly doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes.
8
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a vegetable peeler, create several thin strips from the reserved 1-inch slice of squash. Brush the surface of the loaves with 1 tablespoon of milk and arrange the squash strips decoratively on top. Finally, brush the squash with melted butter.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the top. If needed, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
10
Once baked, immediately remove the bread from the pans and allow them to cool on wire racks for a collaborative crust and moist interior.
Nutrition Information
0.9
Fat
9.4
Carbs
1.6
Protein
0.4
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Acorn Squash Artisan Bread?
Savory Acorn Squash Artisan Bread is a homemade yeast bread that incorporates roasted acorn squash and sage, inspired by early American baking traditions.
What unique texture does acorn squash provide to this bread?
The addition of roasted acorn squash gives the bread a unique sweetness and a particularly moist texture.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields two beautiful loaves of artisan bread.
At what temperature should the acorn squash be roasted?
The acorn squash should be roasted in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to roast the acorn squash?
Roasting the acorn squash halves takes approximately 50 to 55 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
How much acorn squash pulp is required for the dough mixture?
You need to measure out exactly 1 cup of cooked acorn squash pulp for the recipe.
What temperature should the squash and milk mixture reach before mixing?
The mixture of squash, milk, sugar, butter, and salt should reach a temperature between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of yeast is used in this acorn squash bread?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
Which herb is used to enhance the earthiness of the squash?
Crushed dried sage is used to heighten the natural earthy flavors of the acorn squash.
How long should I beat the dough with an electric mixer?
Beat on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for an additional 3 minutes.
How long does the kneading process take?
Kneading the dough on a floured surface should take about 6 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long is the first rise for the dough?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What should I do after the dough has doubled in size?
You should punch down the dough, divide it in half, and let it rest for 10 minutes before shaping.
What size loaf pans are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires two lightly greased 8x4x2-inch loaf pans.
How long is the second rise once the dough is in the pans?
The shaped loaves should rise for approximately 30 minutes until they are nearly doubled in size.
What temperature is used for baking the bread?
The bread should be baked in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the top, usually after about 35 minutes of baking.
How are the decorative squash strips on top created?
Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips from a reserved 1-inch thick slice of raw acorn squash.
What is brushed on the loaves before they go into the oven?
The loaves are brushed with milk, and the decorative squash strips are brushed with melted butter.
What should I do if the bread is browning too quickly?
You can cover the loaves loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
What is the recommended cooling process for this bread?
Immediately remove the bread from the pans and allow the loaves to cool on wire racks.
How much all-purpose flour is needed in total?
The recipe uses between 5 3/4 and 6 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, added in stages.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this bread contains approximately 47 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this bread?
There is approximately 0.9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 9.4 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is approximately 1.6 grams of protein per serving.
Does this bread contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.4 grams of fiber.
What are the primary flavor notes of this artisan bread?
The flavor notes are earthy and sweet, characterized by roasted squash and sage.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, its nostalgic flavors and decorative appearance make it ideal for family gatherings and festive occasions.
How should the acorn squash be prepared for roasting?
Wash the squash, slice it in half, and scoop out the seeds before placing it cut side down in a baking dish.