Imagine stepping into a cozy steakhouse, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Now, picture yourself recreating that same experience right in your own kitchen with our delightful Steakhouse Style Pumpernickel Bread! This recipe not only brings the hearty, earthy flavors of pumpernickel to your table but also adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. With just a little time and love, you can impress your family and friends with a loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, as a side, or simply slathered with butter. Ready to embark on this delicious baking adventure? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpernickel flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpernickel flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until all dry ingredients are well blended.
- In a separate bowl, activate the yeast by mixing the packet of active dry yeast with 1 1/2 cups of warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C). Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the vegetable oil to the mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can add more pumpernickel flour if necessary, but be careful not to over-flour the dough.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap again, and allow the dough to rise for another 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a rich, dark color.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade steakhouse style pumpernickel bread with butter, as a sandwich, or alongside your favorite meal!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure that your warm water is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will slow it down.
- Knead with Care: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your bread structure. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle a little all-purpose flour as needed.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This ensures that it’s fully baked and has that perfect crust.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just slice it before freezing for easy access!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
