Originating from southern England, the cottage loaf is a traditional and charming bread. Resembling the beloved BB8 from Star Wars (the only character that matters), its unique shape was designed for efficiency. Back in the day, when baking space was scarce, someone ingeniously decided to stack one loaf on top of another, effectively doubling their baking space. And just like that, the cottage loaf was born, remaining incredibly popular for centuries until the Second World War.
Ironically, the very shape that made the cottage loaf special may have led to its decline. The time-consuming process of baking and its impractical sliced form made it less versatile, resulting in a scarcity of cottage loaves in local bakeries.
But fear not! You can easily re-create the magic in your kitchen.
Using my trusted basic bread recipe, here’s how you can make your very own cottage loaf. After the initial proof, divide the dough into two portions: ⅔ and ⅓.
Take the ⅔ portion and roll it into a smooth ball, setting it aside. Next, roll the ⅓ portion into its smooth ball and carefully place it on top of the larger one. To ensure they stick together during baking, lightly dust your index finger with flour and press it into the center of the dough balls.
Now, grab a small knife and score the dough. I do five cuts on the top loaf and seven cuts on the bottom.
Set the dough aside for another proof, approximately an hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, bake the cottage loaf for a perfect 22-25 minutes, adjusting as needed depending on your oven.
The best part? A freshly baked classic cottage loaf pairs wonderfully with a hearty soup or stew. Indulge in this delightful combination and experience the rustic charm for yourself.
Ryanne Harper