Description
French bread is a culinary delight that transforms any meal into a celebration. With its golden, crisp crust and soft, airy interior, this homemade bread enchants your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for sandwiches, slathered in butter, or served alongside soups, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your guests and elevate your baking skills.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil while stirring until combined.
- Knead: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough and shape it into an oval loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Allow the loaf to rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg