Herbed Pain Frais
๐ Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
๐ฅ Yield: 2 12″ Baguettes
Description:
Indulge in the delightful aroma and flavor of freshly baked Herbed Pain Frais. This recipe yields two golden-brown baguettes infused with the earthy essence of rosemary, perfect for any occasion from brunch to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 1/2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 1 packet | active dry yeast |
| 1 1/2 cups | warm water |
| 2 tsp | kosher salt |
| 1 tsp | sugar |
| To taste | fresh rosemary |
| To taste | dried rosemary |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dough: Begin by preparing the dough in your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the machine to work its magic in combining the flour, yeast, warm water, salt, and sugar into a smooth and elastic dough.
-
Rise and Punch: Once the dough has completed its rise cycle in the bread machine, carefully remove it and punch it down gently to release any excess air.
-
Shape the Baguettes: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured breadboard and divide it into two equal portions. With gentle hands, roll and stretch each portion into a traditional baguette shape, approximately 12 inches long. Alternatively, you can shape them into round loaves for a unique presentation.
-
Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves onto a lightly olive-oiled non-stick baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to expand. Allow the loaves to rise for an additional 30 minutes, during which they will slightly increase in size.
-
Preheat Oven: While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking.
-
Score and Season: Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf to create a classic baguette appearance. Lightly brush the surface of the loaves with olive oil, and sprinkle them with fresh rosemary, dried rosemary, and additional kosher salt to taste. Feel free to experiment with other herbs to suit your preference.
-
Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the prepared loaves into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and emit a tempting aroma that fills your kitchen.
-
Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Herbed Pain Frais from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. For the ultimate indulgence, serve the warm baguettes with generous servings of butter or olive oil alongside balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted to perfection, these Herbed Pain Frais baguettes are sure to elevate any meal with their rustic charm and aromatic herb-infused flavor. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a satisfying snack, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that will leave everyone craving for more.
