Take pleasure in a loaf of do-it-yourself French bread that seems comfortable and chewy, barely candy, and excellent for a simple dinner aspect or turning into garlic bread!
I feel we will all agree that few issues beat a do-it-yourself loaf of bread contemporary from the oven, whether or not it’s No-Knead Artisan Bread or Sourdough Bread and even Buttery Sourdough Biscuits.
Possibly that’s why these loaves of garlic French bread on the retailer are so arduous to move up.
Seems, do-it-yourself bread isn’t that onerous, and studying how one can make French bread is a superb place to start out!
The following time you’re tempted to purchase a loaf of French bread on the retailer, bear in mind which you can simply make it your self with easy components you have already got at dwelling!
EASY HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD RECIPE
My newbie Man Bread recipe is a tricky recipe to beat, however I’ve to confess that this straightforward French bread recipe comes actually shut. It seems:
FRENCH BREAD INGREDIENTS
Like most bread recipes, you solely want a couple of pantry components to make French bread:
- Water. To combine with the sugar and yeast. You need the water to be heat however not sizzling – goal for 105-110F.
- Sugar. I take advantage of coconut sugar, however you should use white granulated sugar. This feeds the yeast and helps it activate.
- Yeast. Each energetic dry yeast and quick-rising yeast work.
- Salt. Not all salts are made the identical! I really like Ava Jane’s Kitchen as a result of it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, proper?) and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you may get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (simply pay delivery and dealing with!).
- Oil. Strive olive oil or fractionated coconut oil. Melted butter would additionally work.
- Flour. My daughter is extremely delicate to gluten, and she will be able to solely tolerate einkorn. I take advantage of all-purpose einkorn flour on this recipe, however you should use common all-purpose flour and even complete wheat bread flour in case you’d like.
Learn extra about einkorn flour right here.
I haven’t examined this French bread recipe with any gluten-free flour or nut flours. Given my expertise with some of these flours, I wouldn’t suggest them for this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE FRENCH BREAD (STEP-BY-STEP)
Step 1. Within the bowl of a stand mixer (or a massive bowl), mix the water, sugar, and yeast. Stir collectively and let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the yeast to bloom. If the yeast begins to bubble and appear like beer foam, you’re good to go.
Letting the yeast bloom earlier than you add the opposite components is necessary. This ensures your yeast isn’t outdated and prevents losing time and components on the off likelihood it’s outdated. Nothing is worse than attending to the tip of a recipe, solely in your bread to not rise and bake right into a brick of flour!
Step 2. Add the salt, oil, and 5 cups of flour to the water and yeast combination and switch the mixer with a dough hook attachment on low to mix (or combine by hand). When the components are mixed, flip the mixer to medium and knead the dough till it’s a cohesive ball that pulls away from the perimeters of the blending bowl, about 5-10 minutes. If you should add further flour throughout this time, add it in ¼ cup increments.
Step 3. Cowl the bowl and set it in a heat place to rise for one hour.
Step 4. Dump the dough onto a frivolously floured floor or use a silplat mat. Calmly mud with flour and use a rolling pin to roll the dough right into a rectangle that’s roughly 9”x13” in measurement.
Step 5. Beginning with an extended fringe of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly right into a log. Fastidiously put the formed dough seam aspect down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, rating the dough in diagonal slashes with a pointy knife, cowl it with a towel, and set it in a heat place to rise for one hour.
Step 6. When an hour has almost handed, preheat the oven to 375F.
Step 7. When the dough is finished rising, place the baking sheet within the oven. Toss 4 ice cubes into the underside of the oven and shortly shut the door. Bake for 25-Half-hour.
Step 8. Take away the bread from the oven to chill utterly earlier than slicing.
Retailer French bread in a resealable bag or hermetic container on the counter for as much as 4 days or freeze for as much as 3 months (you should buy containers regionally at Walmart or Goal or have them shipped through Amazon). Leftover French bread additionally makes scrumptious croutons!
FRENCH BREAD TIPS
- All-purpose flour vs. einkorn flour. You’ll be able to simply substitute common all-purpose flour for the einkorn flour on this French bread recipe. Enhance the nice and cozy water to 2 ¼ cups. All different components and steps stay the identical.
- Scoring the French loaf. Use a razor blade or sharp knife to make skinny cuts within the dough earlier than the second rise or shortly earlier than baking. This helps the bread to puff up higher and prevents it from cracking.
- Put ice cubes within the oven. Because the ice melts, it creates steam that crisps up the outer crust of the loaf. I’ve by no means had a difficulty with placing ice straight within the backside of the oven however seek the advice of your proprietor’s handbook or use a second baking sheet if essential.
- Make smaller loaves. After rolling the French bread dough right into a log, you may reduce it in half with a bench scraper to make 2 shorter French bread loaves. Regulate them when baking – smaller loaves might not want as lengthy within the oven.
SERVE FRENCH LOAF WITH
French bread makes a terrific aspect for a fast and simple meal like these:
Or use your French loaf to make one among these yummy recipes:
FAQS FOR FRENCH BREAD RECIPES
Can I freeze French bread?
Sure! Observe the recipe to bake the bread as written and when it’s cooled utterly, wrap it properly and freeze it in a resealable bag or hermetic container (you should buy containers regionally at Walmart or Goal or have them shipped through Amazon).
I choose to slice the bread earlier than freezing, however in case you’re uncertain the way you’ll use the bread later, it’s okay to freeze the entire French loaf. Learn extra about freezing French bread recipes and different baked items right here.
Can I take advantage of French bread to make French toast?
Completely! Minimize into slices and let it sit out in a single day to dry. Then make French toast within the morning utilizing your favourite recipe! (This In a single day Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is one among my favorites!).
What’s French bread vs. a baguette?
Baguettes and French bread recipes are related in components, however they’ve completely different shapes. French bread is wider and longer, whereas a baguette is skinny with rounded edges. French bread additionally has a softer crust, and baguettes are crispy.
MORE EASY BREAD RECIPES
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French Bread
Take pleasure in a loaf of do-it-yourself French bread that seems comfortable and chewy, barely candy, and excellent for a simple dinner aspect or turning into garlic bread!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook dinner Time: Half-hour
- Complete Time: 2 hours Half-hour
- Yield: 8+ slices 1x
- Class: Sides
- Technique: Baking
- Delicacies: American
Directions
- Within the bowl of a stand mixer (or a massive mixing bowl), mix the water, sugar and yeast. Whisk collectively and let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the yeast to bloom. If the yeast begins to bubble and appear like beer foam, you’re good to go. If the yeast doesn’t bubble after 10 minutes, your yeast is unhealthy.
- Add the salt, oil, and 5 cups of flour to the water and yeast combination and switch the mixer with a dough hook attachment to low to mix (or combine by hand). When the components are mixed, flip the mixer to medium and knead the dough till it’s a cohesive ball that pulls away from the perimeters of the blending bowl, about 5-10 minutes. If you should add further flour throughout this time, add it in ¼ cup increments.
- Cowl the bowl and set it in a heat place to rise for one hour.
- Dump the dough onto a frivolously floured floor or use a silplat mat. Calmly mud with flour and use a rolling pin to roll the dough right into a rectangle that’s roughly 9”x13” in measurement.
- Beginning with an extended fringe of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly right into a log. Fastidiously put the formed dough seam aspect down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, rating the dough with diagonal slashes with a pointy knife, cowl it with a towel, and set it in a heat place to rise for one hour.
- When an hour has almost handed, preheat the oven to 375F.
- When the dough is finished rising, place the baking sheet within the oven. Toss 4 ice cubes into the underside of the oven and shortly shut the door. Bake for 25-Half-hour.
- Take away the bread from the oven to chill utterly earlier than slicing.
Notes
Notes on flour: You’ll be able to simply substitute common all-purpose flour for this recipe. Enhance the nice and cozy water to 2 ¼ cups and all different components and steps stay the identical.
Vitamin
- Serving Measurement: 1 slice
- Energy: 702
