French Bread Recipe

French bread, also known as baguette, is a classic French staple that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its signature long, thin, and crusty exterior make it a popular choice for sandwiches, as well as a versatile accompaniment to soups, salads, and other meals. Whether you're looking to recreate the taste of a Parisian boulangerie in your own kitchen or simply want to indulge in some delicious homemade bread, learning how to make French bread is a wonderful culinary adventure.

One of t...

One of the most appealing aspects of French bread is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and some time and patience, you can create a loaf of bread that is sure to impress your friends and family. The process of making French bread may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and the right technique, you'll soon be able to master this timeless recipe.

There's something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread from scratch. The aroma of yeast and flour, the feeling of kneading the dough, and the anticipation of watching it rise and bake in the oven all contribute to the joy of baking French bread. And the end result is well worth the effort - a warm, crispy loaf of bread that tastes like it was made with love.

While store-bought French bread certainly has its place, nothing quite compares to the taste and texture of a homemade loaf. By making your own French bread, you have the freedom to customize it to your liking, whether that means adding herbs and spices, experimenting with different flours, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

So, if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of bread-baking, join us as we explore the art of making French bread. With our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll soon be on your way to baking the perfect loaf of French bread in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy the simple, yet irresistible pleasure of homemade bread at its finest. Let's get started!

1 tablespoon cornmeal
6 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water

Information

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 30
Yield: 2 large loaves

Grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Set aside.

Combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in 2 cups warm water; beat with the dough hook attachment until blended. Continue adding remaining flour, a little at a time, until incorporated.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.

Place loaves, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over loaves. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Use a sharp knife to make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts, about 1/4-inch deep, across top of each loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Brush loaves with egg white mixture. Continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) or loaves sound hollow when tapped, 15 to 20 minutes more. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Remove loaves from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

94 cal.

Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 119mg
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 5mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 41mg

How to Make French Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

94 cal.

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