Indulging in the aroma of freshly baked French bread is like embarking on a culinary journey to the streets of Paris.

Originating from France, French bread, also known as “baguette,” has become a beloved staple worldwide for its crisp crust and soft, airy interior.

Despite its simplicity in ingredients, mastering the art of baking the perfect French bread requires patience and precision. However, fear not, for I am here to guide you through each step, ensuring your homemade baguettes rival those from a Parisian bakery.

Expert Tip: For a crispier crust, create steam in the oven by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while the bread bakes. This helps to create a moist environment, allowing the crust to develop properly.

Ingredients

• Plain Flour: The main ingredient in French bread, plain flour provides the structure and texture needed for a light and airy crumb.
• Salt: Salt not only enhances the flavor of the bread but also helps to regulate the fermentation process, ensuring the dough rises properly.
• Yeast (Active Dry): Yeast is the magic ingredient responsible for leavening the bread, creating those delightful air pockets that give French bread its signature texture.
• Water (Warm): Warm water activates the yeast, allowing it to ferment and produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise.

Expert Tip: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop the gluten, which is essential for a light and airy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your freshly baked French bread warm with a spread of creamy butter or alongside a bowl of hearty soup for a cozy meal. For a touch of elegance, pair sliced baguettes with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fruits for a classic French-inspired charcuterie board. You can also use leftover baguettes to make sandwiches filled with your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies for a quick and delicious lunch.

Expert Tip: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the rising time slightly as instant yeast tends to activate faster.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done baking when it is golden brown on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the bread has reached about 190°F (88°C).

Can I freeze the baked baguettes?

Yes, you can freeze the baked baguettes for later use. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw the baguettes at room temperature and then warm them in a preheated oven until heated through.

How long does French bread stay fresh?

Freshly baked French bread is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking. To prolong its freshness, store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature. Avoid storing it in plastic, as this can cause the crust to become soft and lose its crispness.

Why did my bread turn out dense instead of airy?

Several factors can cause bread to turn out dense, including using too much flour, not kneading the dough enough, or not allowing it to rise properly. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and pay attention to the texture of the dough at each stage of the process.

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French Bread

by Nabeela Kauser

Dive into the world of baking with this incredibly rewarding French bread recipe! No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques; just simple, straightforward steps to achieve the epitome of crusty, golden perfection.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Proof Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Baking

Cuisine French, Western

Servings 2 baguettes

Calories 921 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Plain Flour
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Yeast Active dry
• ▢ 350 ml Water Warm

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette by flattening the dough into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly from one end.
• Place the shaped baguettes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them proof for another 15-20 minutes.
• While the baguettes are proofing, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
• Before baking, use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make diagonal slashes along the tops of the baguettes. This not only adds a decorative touch but also allows the bread to expand while baking. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Once the baguettes are baked, transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra flavour.

For a crispier crust, you can place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Enjoy your homemade French bread, perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply with a smear of butter!

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 921kcalCarbohydrates: 192gProtein: 27gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 1953mgPotassium: 301mgFibre: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 12mg

Keyword Bread, Food, Recipe

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