Fabulous French Bread
Experience the perfect balance of a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crusty exterior with this recipe for Fabulous French Bread! With just a handful of pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar—this classic homemade bread comes together beautifully for a bakery-worthy result. The process includes time-honored techniques like hand-kneading for elasticity, a double rise for airy texture, and a unique steam-baking method to create that irresistible crisp crust. Perfect for serving alongside hearty soups, creamy dips, or as a base for gourmet sandwiches, each slice is a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something extraordinary. Whether you're new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe is your ultimate guide to mastering authentic French bread at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups Warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil (optional, for greasing)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and the yeast is activated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
Shape each portion into a long baguette, about 12-14 inches in length. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.
With a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf for a traditional French bread look.
Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty, heat-safe pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
Before placing the bread in the oven, pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty pan to create steam. This will help achieve a crusty exterior.
Bake the loaves on the middle rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your Fabulous French Bread fresh or store it for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1823 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.5 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4732 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 373.2 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 52.3 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 657 mg | 14% | |
*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.
