French Bread Recipe
A classic French bread loaf with a crisp golden crust and a light, airy interior. This recipe offers the perfect balance of tradition and simplicity, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal ingredients and a few hours of patient rising, you can bring the authentic taste of a French boulangerie into your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Bread, Baking
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more for kneading)
-
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
-
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
1 ½ teaspoons salt
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
-
Proof yeast by mixing with warm water and sugar; let it foam.
-
Combine flour, salt, and yeast mixture to form a sticky dough.
-
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1.5-2 hours).
-
Punch down dough, divide, shape into loaves, and place on baking sheet.
-
Make shallow slashes on top, cover, and proof for 30-40 minutes.
-
Preheat oven to 425°F with a pan of water for steam.
-
Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
-
Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
-
Ensure the water temperature is just right to activate the yeast.
-
Create steam in the oven for a crispy crust.
-
Allow full cooling to set the crumb structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 loaves
- Calories: 180
Find it online: https://interbites.com/french-bread-recipe/