Traditional Cottage Loaf Recipe | Easy Baking

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Explore the cozy charm of this classic cottage loaf recipe. This bread recipe is a wonderful example of British baking culture and is ideal for anyone who enjoys simple baking. Picture the cozy feeling in your kitchen as the smell of fresh bread spreads throughout the room. This cottage loaf has a crispy outside and a soft, welcoming inside, providing both enjoyment and a feeling of achievement.

This bread recipe is beautiful because it’s simple. Kneading dough feels great, and the sound of a perfectly baked loaf is satisfying. Every step is a pleasure for the senses. Making bread from scratch is truly special, especially when you end up with a warm, golden-brown loaf that brings the feeling of home baking.

What is a Cottage Loaf?

A cottage loaf is a classic example of Great British baking. Its strong and rich character truly reflects the love for classic recipes that have been shared through the years. Who better to showcase this tradition than Paul Hollywood, a man whose love for baking has brought happiness to many?

Imagine your hands covered in flour, softly working the dough that bounces back when you touch it. Imagine the excitement as your kitchen fills with the warm smell of baking bread, bringing back cozy memories.

The homemade cottage loaf, with its special double-stacked shape, provides more than just food. It offers an experience that goes beyond the usual, inviting you to enjoy every aspect of flavor and texture. When you try this recipe, you don’t just make bread—you start a journey that deepens your love for a beloved tradition in Great British baking.

Ingredients Required

Making a classic cottage loaf starts with gathering basic, wholesome ingredients. Every part adds its special flavor to the process, coming together for a true bread-making experience. Let’s explore what you’ll need for this enjoyable journey.

Dry Ingredients

Start by collecting your dry ingredients. Start with six cups of high-quality flour to ensure a fluffy loaf. Next, add two teaspoons of dry yeast, the special ingredient that will help your bread rise. Add one tablespoon of salt to bring out the natural flavors and complete the basic ingredients.

Liquid Ingredients

The wet ingredients mix well with the dry ones, making your dough come alive. In a big bowl, combine two cups of warm water to activate the dry yeast. To achieve a soft and tender crumb, add around two tablespoons of oil. As you mix in the flour, you’ll begin to see your perfect cottage loaf taking shape.

With these key ingredients, you enter the wonderful world of real bread making, where each part contributes to creating something truly special.

Easy Cottage Loaf Recipe

You’ll enjoy every part of making bread, as you get your hands in the dough and lead each step along the way. First, let’s focus on preparing the dough.

Making the Dough

Start by adding dry yeast to warm water and see it come to life—I think it’s amazing every time. Combine the yeast and water in a large bowl. Combine your other ingredients and use your hands to begin kneading the mixture. Experience how the flour and water change into a soft, stretchy dough as you touch it. It’s like seeing possibilities grow with your hands.

First Rise

Form the kneaded dough into a ball and return it to the large bowl. Gently cover it with a cloth and allow it to rest. The first rise is crucial because it helps the dough double in size, forming the structure required for a lovely loaf. Place it in a warm spot and appreciate this gentle process, where time and warmth come together to ready your dough for its next change.

Baking Your Cottage Loaf

As the dough finishes its first stage of rising, this part forms the story and the bread. Now, take the soft dough and place it on a floured surface. Divide it into two parts, making one a bit larger, and then shape them into smooth balls. This is the thoughtful process of creating that classic cottage loaf shape, with each piece resting gently on the other like a cherished stack of memories.

Forming the Dough

Start by placing the dough on a surface that has been dusted with flour. Split it into two sections, with one being a bit bigger than the other. Carefully shape each piece into a smooth ball, highlighting your skill in working with the dough. Put the smaller ball on top of the larger one, then press your thumb down in the middle to hold them together.

Second rise and baking

Let the dough rest and rise again. This last rise gets it ready for the oven heat. While you wait, preheat your oven and put a baking sheet at the bottom to create steam. This will help you achieve a nice, crisp crust. When it’s ready, bake the loaf until it is a beautiful golden brown.

In conclusion

Starting this cooking adventure has brought me a lot of joy. From mixing the ingredients to the final “sounds hollow” test, each step is a joyful part of making bread. You haven’t just made a loaf; you’ve created a memory to hold dear.

Shaping the dough, watching it rise, and then baking it to create something delicious brings us closer to food. The delightful smell of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, and there’s a warm feeling that comes from slicing through the perfect crust.

This experience goes beyond baking; it’s about sharing and love. Sharing a meal with people you love makes your hard work feel like a joyful gathering. Every slice shows the time, care, and love that went into making each loaf. With every bite, you experience the happiness and comfort of making bread at home.

Classic British Cottage Loaf

This classic British cottage loaf has a signature double-stacked shape, a crisp golden crust, and a soft, fluffy interior. It’s perfect for enjoying with butter or as a base for hearty sandwiches.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rising 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine British

Servings 1 loaf

Calories 1760 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 6 cups 750g high-quality bread flour
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp salt

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Liquid Ingredients

• 2 cups 475ml warm water (around 100°F/37°C)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil

Instructions

 

Activate the Yeast:

• In a large bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.

Mix the Dough:

• Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.

Knead the Dough:

• Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

• Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until it doubles in size.

Shape the Dough:

• Punch the dough down and divide it into two balls—one slightly larger. Place the larger ball on a floured baking sheet, then gently set the smaller ball on top. Use your thumb to press firmly through the center, securing both layers.

Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf lightly with a cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking tray of water at the bottom of the oven for steam.

Bake the Loaf:

• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter or your favorite toppings.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the yeast mixture to help it activate faster.
• Use a bread knife for clean slices once the loaf cools.

Keyword British bread recipe, Cottage loaf recipe, easy bread baking, easy homemade bread, traditional British bread, traditional recipes, two-tier bread

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