There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly baked French bread straight from your own oven. Whether you’re a novice baker or seasoned pro, this easy French bread recipe will guide you through creating crusty, golden loaves that are perfect for any occasion.
Follow these simple steps to bring the bakery experience into your kitchen.
French Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F or 45°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Stir together until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf.
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped loaves loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Optionally, slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter or use for sandwiches, bruschetta, or dipping in soups.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rise of the dough.
- Use warm water within the specified temperature range to activate the yeast effectively.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to promote optimal fermentation.
Conclusion:
Now that you have mastered this easy French bread recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking delicious, crusty loaves at home anytime. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating your family to homemade goodness, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as you bake your own French bread!
FAQ about French Bread
Q1: What is French bread?
A1: French bread, also known as “baguette” in French, is a type of bread characterized by its long, slender shape and crispy crust. It has a soft, airy interior with a slightly chewy texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, soups, and dipping in olive oil.
Q2: What ingredients are needed to make French bread?
A2: To make French bread, you typically need basic ingredients such as all-purpose flour, yeast, water, salt, and sometimes sugar. These ingredients come together to create the dough that forms the basis of French bread’s distinctive texture and flavor.
Q3: How do you achieve a crispy crust on French bread?
A3: To achieve a crispy crust on French bread, it’s essential to create steam in the oven during baking. This can be done by spraying water into the oven or placing a pan of water on the bottom rack. Additionally, baking the bread at a high temperature initially and slashing the dough before baking also helps.
Q4: How long does it take to make French bread from start to finish?
A4: The time it takes to make French bread varies, but typically, it involves about 2-3 hours of preparation and rising time for the dough. Baking usually takes around 20-25 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend 3-4 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking.
Q5: Can you freeze French bread?
A5: Yes, you can freeze French bread. Once baked and cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French bread can be thawed at room temperature or reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its freshness.
