Sheepherder'S Bread
Sheepherder's Bread is a hearty, rustic bread with a chewy crust and tender interior, perfect for outdoor meals, picnics, or casual family dinners, offering comforting homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve sugar, dry yeast, and salt in warm water and let stand in a warm place for 15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour in the liquid ingredients.
- Add oil and 4 cups of flour.
- Beat by hand 100 strokes.
- Add and stir in 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour or enough to make a stiff dough.
- Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of flour over a bread board and turn the dough onto it.
- Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Use more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Kneading process will take 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough to its original size.
- Place in a greased 10-inch Dutch oven, including the lid.
- Cover and let the dough rise until it touches the top of the lid.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the oil with melted butter. If you're short on flour, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If you want to enhance the taste, add herbs or garlic powder to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Sheepherder's Bread is delightful served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup or stew. It also pairs beautifully with Home Canned Apple Pie Filling for a comforting meal. Consider slicing it for sandwiches or toasting pieces for a crunchy side. A fresh salad can complement this bread nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sheepherder's Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the bread in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sheepherder'S Bread contains roughly 938 calories, with 28g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2771mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in water first. Simply mix it directly into your dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to the water being too hot or cold, or the yeast might be expired. Ensure the water is warm (about 110°F or 43°C) and check the expiration date on your yeast. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer location.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or fresh herbs to the dough can enhance its flavor. Just be mindful of the extra moisture they may introduce, and adjust your flour quantity accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).