Zippy French Bread
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with Zippy French Bread, a homemade loaf that combines classic bakery-style French bread with a bold, savory twist. This delightfully aromatic bread features the perfect balance of fluffy, golden crust and zesty flavors, thanks to the addition of minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and olive oil, it offers an irresistible warmth and mild heat in every bite. Topped with a glossy egg wash and optional sesame seeds, this versatile bread is ideal for accompanying soups, pastas, or simply enjoying on its own. With easy-to-follow instructions and just 20 minutes of hands-on prep time, Zippy French Bread makes a showstopping centerpiece for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups water (warm, about 110°F)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 piece egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a long, thin loaf approximately 12-14 inches in length.
Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them loosely and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during the second rise.
Brush the top of each loaf with the beaten egg wash for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf for steam to escape and to give the bread a traditional look.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the zesty flavors of your homemade Zippy French Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.6 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 3626 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 375.0 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 60.9 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 201 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 25.5 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 805 mg | 17% | |
*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.
