How to Make Fougasse - A Step-by-Step Guide

Fougasse is a traditional French bread that is typically shaped like a leaf or an ear of wheat. With a crispy crust and a light, airy interior, fougasse is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Its origins can be traced back to the southern regions of France, where it is often enjoyed as a snack or alongside a glass of wine.

What sets fougasse apart from other breads is its intricate decorative cuts, which not only give the bread its distinct shape but also create various nooks and c...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon dried basil
  • ½ tablespoon ground savory
  • ½ tablespoon dried thyme
  • ½ tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 2 flat loaves

  • Pour water into a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast into water; let stand undisturbed until dissolved.
  • Mix together basil, savory, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.
  • Stir 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon herb mixture, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons oil into yeast mixture until well blended. Mix in remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a thick and somewhat sticky dough forms.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place into an oiled bowl. Flip dough to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel; let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down and divide in half. Shape each piece into an irregular oval, about 1 1/2-inches thick. Sprinkle cornmeal over 2 baking sheets; transfer dough to the prepared baking sheets.
  • Brush each loaf with remaining olive oil; sprinkle remaining herbs on top. Make several slashes in bread, cutting through dough with a knife. Cover loaves with clean dish towels. Let rise again until dough begins to rise, about 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Place the baking sheet with loaves in the preheated oven. Quickly splash a small amount of water onto the oven floor to create steam, then close the oven door. Bake loaves until golden, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    120 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 529mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 12mg
    • Iron: 8mg
    • Potassium: 43mg