Homemade French Bread
Homemade French Bread is a delightful treat that envelops your senses with its golden, crackly crust and soft, pillowy interior. Perfect for beginners, this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers mouthwatering results. Freshly baked, this bread is excellent as a side for soups and salads or simply enjoyed warm with butter or jam. With a touch of customization, you can add herbs or garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Embrace your inner baker and indulge in the irresistible charm of homemade French bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar; sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Mix the dough: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix to form a shaggy dough.
- 3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled.
- 5. Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf or smaller pieces.
- 6. Second rise: Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover again, and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy fresh!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg