| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 278 | 6g | 3.5g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 8g | 1.2g |
About Pullman Loaf
Meet the Pullman Loaf, the unsung hero of the bread world. This modest yet remarkably versatile bread can be found in patisseries around the globe, tickling the taste buds with dense crumbles and a soft, rich texture. Familiar yet not mundane, the Pullman Loaf sets itself apart by its uniform shape resulting from the unique baking process. But not just the shape, Pullman Loaf is loved for its soft crumb and buttery flavors, establishing its significant place in the grand tableau of bread.
An Ode to Pullman Loaf
Named after the famed Pullman train cars, where the bread was originally served, this loaf is famous for its perfectly square shape. The term Pullman loaf is derived from the similarity in design with the compact, space-efficient sleeping cars of the Pullman Company. At first glance, it may seem relatively plain compared to its flashier cousins like the baguette or sourdough roll, but this humble loaf holds its own when it comes to versatility and panel of flavors.
The secret, as always, is in the high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. Our recipe favors traditional components such as warm water, active dry yeast, and patiently kneadable bread flour. However, the silent star that sets the Pullman Loaf apart is the introduction of whole milk and unsalted butter, lending it its soft, pliable texture and mouth-watering, buttery taste.
The Perfect Companion
The Pullman loaf is a culinary chameleon, perfectly at ease either as a standalone or a side. Its subtle flavor profile isn’t overpowering, allowing it to act as the perfect canvas for a range of sandwich fillings. Love the smoky flavor of a Cuban sandwich? The Pullman loaf holds the savory ingredients in its firm yet pliable structure. Prefer a rich and indulgent french toast? Its crumble structure soaks up that creamy egg mixture perfectly.
Furthermore, its perfect square slices make it popular for canapés, melody of finger sandwiches, or even for baking breadcrumb. Essentially, its simplicity is its strength, making the Pullman Loaf a perfect partner in the dance of flavors, whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a gourmet dinner.
The Slice of History
The Pullman Loaf is not just another bread; it carries with it a slice of history. It speaks of the time of grand rail travel, the Pullman Company, and the tasty bread that kept travelers satiated during long journeys. Whenever there’s a loaf baking in the oven, it is a part of that legacy that is being revived, and we’re honored to share that delectable legacy with you.
Discover the joy of preparing this homemade Pullman Loaf yourself, and don’t forget that extra brushing of melted butter for that glossy finishing touch. Whether served warm and fresh from the oven or laying the foundation for a pile of sandwich toppings, this humble loaf never fails to impress. Happy Baking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 1/2 cups bread flour
- Extra melted butter for brushing
Method
Step One
Begin by combining 1 cup of warm water with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the yeast is dissolved and starts to foam.
Step Two
In the meantime, mix the whole milk with the melted unsalted butter in a separate bowl. Add the white sugar and salt into the mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
Step Three
Go back to your yeast mixture and start adding the bread flour into it, one cup at a time. Make sure to stir well after each addition. Once you’ve added about 3 cups of flour, pour in the milk and butter mixture. Continue to stir and add the rest of the bread flour.
Step Four
Once all the ingredients are combined, knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. This might take around 10 minutes.
Step Five
Place your dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step Six
After the first rise, deflate the dough and form it into a rectangle shape. Then, roll it up tightly and place it into a greased Pullman loaf pan with the seam side down. Let it rest and rise again until it almost fills the length of the pan.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting for the dough to rise. Once it’s ready, brush the top of the loaf with some extra melted butter. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before cutting into slices to serve.
