French Bread Recipe

French bread, with its crisp crust and soft, airy interior, is a staple loved around the world for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it as a base for sandwiches or dipping into soups, making your own French bread at home can be a rewarding culinary adventure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this iconic bread:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps give French bread its characteristic chewy texture.
• 1 ½ cups (350ml) lukewarm water: The temperature of the water is crucial for activating the yeast properly.
• 2 teaspoons (8g) salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast: Provides the leavening agent for the bread.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (optional): Adds a subtle richness to the dough.

Instructions:

1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water with the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture (and olive oil if using). Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the loaves: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball or an oval loaf.
6. Second rise: Place the shaped loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a baking stone. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven: While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
8. Score the loaves: Using a sharp knife or a razor blade, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. This helps the bread expand while baking and gives it that classic French bread appearance.
9. Bake the bread: Just before putting the loaves in the oven, pour about 1 cup of hot water into the empty baking pan on the bottom rack. This creates steam in the oven, which helps develop a crispy crust. Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cooling: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success:

• Consistency: The texture of the dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading.
• Rising: Ensure proper rising times to allow the yeast to do its job effectively.
• Steam: Adding steam to the oven during baking helps create a crispy crust.

Enjoy Your Homemade French Bread!

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own French bread at home. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe allows you to bring a taste of Parisian bakery into your kitchen. Serve slices with butter, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own—it’s sure to be a hit!