Rustic Farmhouse Loaf Recipe: Golden, Crusty, Homemade Joy

Crafting a rustic farmhouse loaf brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen counter.

Memories of grandmother’s hands kneading dough float through my mind whenever I start this recipe.

Soft wheat flour and simple ingredients create magic in just a few steps.

Country bakers have perfected this traditional bread for generations, passing down techniques that connect us to our culinary roots.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and simplicity.

Freshly baked and golden brown, this loaf promises to fill your home with an irresistible aroma that calls everyone to the table.

You’ll want to slice into this warm, hearty bread and savor every delicious moment.

Why Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe Is Popular

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this farmhouse loaf perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Comfort in Every Slice: Delivers a hearty, rustic bread that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and brings a touch of homemade goodness to any meal.
• Versatile Bread Companion: Ideal for sandwiches, toast, breakfast spreads, or enjoying with soups and stews, this loaf adapts to multiple dining scenarios.
• Low-Maintenance Baking: Requires minimal specialized equipment and basic pantry staples, allowing anyone to create a delicious homemade bread without complex techniques.

Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe Ingredient Guide

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and volume to the farmhouse loaf.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth in the bread.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the loaf.

• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating a light, airy texture.

• Butter, Water: Butter adds richness and moisture, while water helps bind the ingredients and activate the yeast.

Steps For Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Mixing Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Softened butter

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well integrated.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Form a small well in the center of your ingredient mixture. Slowly pour warm water into this well, gradually incorporating it into the dry ingredients. Stir and blend continuously until a soft, shaggy dough emerges.

Step 3: Develop Dough Texture

Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface. Begin kneading with firm, rhythmic motions. Push, fold, and turn the dough consistently. Continue kneading by hand for 10-12 minutes or use a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with cooking spray or oil. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning it to coat all surfaces. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape Loaf

Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape into a smooth loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Dough Rise

Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes, allowing it to become puffy and increase in volume.

Step 7: Prepare Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty metal pan on the bottom rack – this will be used for creating steam.

Step 8: Prepare Loaf for Baking

Using a sharp knife, make a few diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf. Lightly dust the surface with flour for a rustic appearance.

Step 9: Create Steam and Bake

Carefully pour hot water into the empty metal pan to create steam. Immediately place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400°F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.

Bread Tips For Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

• Knead with Purpose: Press and fold the dough firmly to develop gluten, creating a stronger, more elastic bread texture that ensures better rise and softer crumb.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add water gradually to achieve the right dough consistency, preventing a sticky or dry mixture that could ruin bread quality.
• Steam Secrets: Place a hot water pan in the oven to create humidity, which helps develop a crispy, golden-brown crust and enhances overall bread flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Start with high heat to activate yeast and create initial rise, then reduce temperature to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
• Rising Rhythm: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help yeast activate properly, watching for doubled volume as a sign of perfect proofing.

Custom Ideas For Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half white flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty, hearty bread packed with extra fiber and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Guardian: Swap wheat flour for a gluten-free blend using rice, almond, and tapioca flours to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Mix dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for an aromatic, savory farmhouse loaf that elevates simple bread to gourmet status.
• No-Knead Shortcut: Reduce active preparation time by mixing ingredients, covering, and letting dough rest for 12-18 hours, creating a relaxed fermentation method with minimal hands-on work.

Good Matches For Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

• Savor Rustic Homemade Bread Companions
• Slice and Spread Butter Paradise: Creamy European-style salted butter transforms each slice into a luxurious experience, melting gently into warm bread's soft crannies with delightful richness.
• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A hearty Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complements the farmhouse loaf's dense texture, creating a perfect balance between rustic bread and full-bodied wine notes.
• Match with Hearty Soup Duo: Creamy tomato or classic vegetable soup provides an ideal companion, allowing the bread to soak up delicious broth while offering a comforting, satisfying meal combination.

Storing Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe The Right Way

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 3-4 days, keeping bread fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Slice bread, place parchment paper between slices, wrap securely in freezer bag, and store up to 3 months for long-term preservation.
• Keep in bread box or sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm slices in toaster, oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly at 10-second intervals to restore softness and warmth.

Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe Q&A

• Why is kneading important for this farmhouse loaf?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its structure, texture, and helps it rise properly. Proper kneading creates elastic dough that traps air bubbles and results in a light, airy bread.

• What does adding steam during baking do?

Steam helps create a crispy, golden crust by keeping the dough’s surface moist during initial baking. This allows the bread to expand fully and prevents the crust from forming too quickly, resulting in a better rise and more attractive loaf.

• How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy. When you gently press the dough with a finger, it should slowly spring back but leave a slight indentation, indicating it’s perfectly proofed.

Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 2-22 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic farmhouse loaf brings warmth of countryside kitchens straight to your table. Golden-crusted bread with hearty texture delivers simple, soul-satisfying comfort you’ll savor with every slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 600 grams (21.2 ounces) very strong white bread flour
• 350 milliliters (11.8 fluid ounces) tepid water
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) softened butter

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1.5 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients including flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel, then incorporate softened butter.
2. Create a central depression in the mixture and gradually introduce water, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Vigorously knead the dough for 10-12 minutes by hand or 8-10 minutes using a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage, then drape with a clean kitchen towel.
5. Allow dough to proof in a warm environment for approximately 1.5 hours, or until volume has doubled.
6. Gently deflate the risen dough and shape into a uniform loaf configuration.
7. Position the shaped dough into a greased loaf tin, covering loosely to prevent surface drying.
8. Permit second fermentation for 45 minutes until dough has visibly expanded.
9. Heat oven to 230°C, positioning an empty metal tray on the bottom rack.
10. Score the loaf’s surface with a sharp blade, dust lightly with flour.
11. Pour boiling water into the preheated metal tray to generate steam.
12. Bake initially at 230°C for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 200°C for 30-35 minutes.
13. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete cooling before slicing.

Notes

• Flour substitution works great with whole wheat or gluten-free blends for dietary needs.
• Precise water temperature around 110-115°F ensures active yeast without killing it.
• Use a dough scraper to knead efficiently and prevent sticky mess on surfaces.
• Overnight cold fermentation in refrigerator enhances flavor complexity and develops deeper bread texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 22-37 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 179 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 298 mg
• Fat: 3.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34.7 g
• Fiber: 1.4 g
• Protein: 5.9 g
• Cholesterol: 11 mg