French Bread

Craving a comforting homemade loaf that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread? A classic French Bread is just what you need. It’s a simple recipe that combines flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt to create a crusty exterior with a soft and airy interior. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to try your hand at breadmaking, this French Bread recipe is sure to impress with its rustic charm and delicious taste.

French Bread

Ingredients:

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups warm water
– 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking, but try to keep the dough slightly sticky.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

5. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a long baguette shape or a round loaf, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal slashes along the top of the dough, which will allow for steam to escape during baking and create the traditional French Bread look.

7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) while the shaped dough rests for another 20-30 minutes, covered with a kitchen towel, to rise a second time.

8. Once the dough has visibly puffed up, place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the French Bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with a spread of butter or use it as the perfect base for your favorite sandwiches!

French Bread is a versatile staple that can elevate any meal, from breakfast toast to a side for soup or salad. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a homemade loaf that rivals those from a bakery. So why not roll up your sleeves, dust off your baking skills, and get ready to savor the satisfaction of baking your own delicious French Bread right in your own kitchen.