Description
Savor the rustic charm of homemade French bread, a culinary masterpiece that whispers tales of Paris bakeries. Golden-crusted and pillowy inside, this simple yet elegant loaf invites you to experience authentic French baking magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500 grams) bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) warm water (100-110°F / 37-43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 cup hot water (for steam)
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by blending tepid water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to transform into a bubbly foam over 5–10 minutes.
- Create a flour base by incorporating salt into a large mixing container. Integrate the activated yeast solution and combine until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Transform the dough through vigorous kneading on a flour-dusted surface for 8–10 minutes, or utilize a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until achieving a silky, resilient texture.
- Nurture the dough’s initial fermentation by transferring it into a lightly greased receptacle. Drape with a protective cover and position in a warm environment for 60–90 minutes, allowing it to expand and double in volume.
- Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, partition into two equal segments, and sculpt into elongated baguette-like formations. Position the shaped loaves carefully on a baking tray.
- Permit a secondary rising phase by covering the loaves, allowing them to expand for 30–45 minutes in a draft-free zone.
- Prepare the oven at 425°F (220°C) and artfully score each loaf with diagonal slashes using a razor-sharp knife.
- Generate moisture by placing a water-filled pan in the oven. Bake the loaves for 20–25 minutes until they develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Allow the bread to rest and stabilize for a minimum of 15 minutes before slicing, then savor the fresh, aromatic creation.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure optimal yeast activation and consistent dough texture.
- Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, which can make the bread dense and tough.
- Create a warm, draft-free environment for rising by placing the dough near a preheated oven or in a slightly warmed area.
- For a crispier crust, spritz water on the bread during baking or use a spray bottle to create additional steam.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg