Here’s a simple recipe for making French bread at home!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softening the bread)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy (this means the yeast is activated).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough:
- Once it’s combined, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead it on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
- Let It Rise:
- Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch the dough down to release the air, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a long loaf (about 14 inches long) by rolling the dough. Pinch the edges tightly to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan. Cover with a towel again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it’s puffed up.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a small pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam (this helps give the bread a nice crispy crust).
- Score the Dough:
- Before baking, use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes across the top of the loaf. This helps it expand as it bakes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade French bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or just with a bit of butter. Would you like to add any extra ingredients, like herbs or garlic?