Hutterite Bread Recipe – Homemade, Soft & Easy to Bake

This recipe is the heart and soul of Hutterite communal baking—a simple, warm loaf that speaks of history, togetherness, and honest ingredients. Imagine the scent of fresh bread filling a sunlit kitchen, hands dusted with flour, and neighbors gathering around long wooden tables. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition passed down through generations, one that unites community spirit with culinary art.

What Makes Hutterite Bread Recipe Special?

Hutterite bread stands apart thanks to its rustic simplicity and communal roots. Made in large batches, it uses just a handful of humble ingredients water, flour, yeast, salt, and often a touch of fat—to create a loaf that’s soft on the inside with a golden, crusty exterior.

Personally, I love how the slow rise develops depth of flavor without fuss. Try this trick: let the dough rest in a slightly cool spot overnight, and you’ll notice a richer aroma and lighter crumb the next day!

How to Make Hutterite Bread Recipe Step by Step

1. Activate the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar.
2. Mix in fat and salt, then stir in flour until a dough forms.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise until doubled.
5. Shape loaves and second rise.
6. Bake until golden and hollow-sounding.

Key Ingredients and Their Importance

• Warm Water (110 °F/43 °C): Awakens the yeast without killing it.
• Active Dry Yeast: The engine of rise; fresh yeast guarantees a fluffy loaf.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast, improving rise and flavor.
• Fat (Oil or Lard): Adds tenderness and extends shelf life.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens the gluten network.
• Flour: Unbleached all-purpose or a mix with whole wheat brings structure and depth.

Hutterite Bread Recipe

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Ruthie
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x

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Description

A warm, simple, and traditional loaf rooted in Hutterite communal baking. This recipe blends humble ingredients with rich history to yield a soft interior and crusty exterior—perfect for gathering around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 2½ cups warm water (110 °F/43 °C)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted lard
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or a mix with whole wheat)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in oil or melted lard and salt.
3. Add flour one cup at a time, stirring until dough pulls away from the bowl.
4. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
6. Deflate dough, divide into two, shape into loaves, and place in greased 9×5″ pans.
7. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes, until just above the rim.
8. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
9. Optional: Brush with melted butter for a softer crust.

Notes

For deeper flavor, allow the first rise overnight in the fridge. Add a pan of water in the oven for extra steam and a crispier crust. Use a kitchen scale for consistent flour measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hutterite

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Tips for the Best Hutterite Bread Recipe

• Slow Fermentation: For extra flavor, perform the first rise in the fridge overnight.
• Steam in Oven: Place a small pan of water on the oven floor to create steam; this yields a crispier crust.
• Consistent Temperature: Yeast loves consistency—avoid drafts and temperature swings.
• Weigh Your Flour: A kitchen scale ensures precision.

Recommended Tools

• Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional but handy)
• Digital kitchen scale
• Instant-read thermometer
• 9×5″ loaf pans (at least two)
• Cooling rack (for best texture)

How to Store Hutterite Bread Recipe for Freshness

• Short-Term (2–3 days): Keep at room temperature in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
• Long-Term: Slice and freeze in airtight bags; toast slices straight from the freezer.
• Revive day-old bread by sprinkling with water and warming in a 300 °F oven for 5–7 minutes.

More Related Recipes & Articles

If you enjoyed this rustic loaf, you might love exploring:

• Our take on Hutterite Sausage Soup, a hearty pairing for fresh bread.
• The classic Hutterite Bun Recipe, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
• Follow our journey and daily inspirations on Medium.
• See mouthwatering photos and boards on Pinterest.

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