Classic French Bread 1 5 Lb Loaf
Elevate your baking game with this Classic French Bread recipe, yielding a beautiful, golden-brown 1.5 lb loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples like bread flour, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar, this artisan-inspired loaf achieves a soft interior with a delightfully crisp crust. The secret to its bakery-style texture lies in the use of steam during baking, creating a perfectly chewy crust that rivals your favorite boulangerie. Whether you're kneading by hand or using a stand mixer, this recipe guides you through every step to ensure success. Enjoy it fresh with butter, as a base for sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. With just 15 minutes of active prep time, this easy French bread is your go-to for homemade comfort and timeless flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups Bread flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar
- 1.25 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for a softer crust)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of bread flour, salt, sugar, and active dry yeast.
Gradually add the warm water while mixing until it forms a smooth batter-like consistency. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Add the olive oil (if using) and the remaining bread flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then tightly rolling it up from the shorter end.
Place the shaped dough onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, until it looks puffy.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an empty oven-safe pan on the lower rack to prepare for adding steam.
Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade to create shallow diagonal slashes. This helps the bread expand and bake evenly.
Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the preheated pan in the oven to create steam. Immediately place the bread on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1765 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.4 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4733 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 343.6 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 55.2 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 580 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
