Easy French Bread Recipe
Cook Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Yield: 1 Large Loaf
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 5 reviews)
Description:
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of homemade French bread with minimal effort. This recipe yields a crusty, golden loaf that embodies the essence of French baking. While the bread may appear lighter in color compared to store-bought varieties, rest assured that it’s perfectly normal for this particular style of loaf. With basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be savoring the authentic taste of France in no time.
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Grains, European, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Bread Machine, Small Appliance, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1575.5
- Fat: 4.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3507.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 332g
- Fiber: 12.7g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 45g
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 1/4 cups white bread flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons fast rise yeast (or active dry yeast)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread Machine: Begin by loading the ingredients into your bread machine in the specified order. Start with the water, followed by the white bread flour, sugar, salt, and finally, the yeast.
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Select Crispy Crust Option: To achieve that classic French bread crust, it’s essential to reset the machine after the first knead. This step ensures that the crust develops a satisfying crunch reminiscent of artisanal loaves.
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Bake: Once the machine has been reset, proceed with baking using either the regular or rapid bake cycle, depending on your preference and time constraints.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the loaf from the bread machine and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve the French bread alongside your favorite soups, salads, or simply enjoy it with a spread of butter for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Recipe Notes:
- For added flavor variations, consider incorporating herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the dough during the initial mixing stage.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to yield two loaves, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment.
- To ensure optimal results, it’s recommended to use high-quality bread flour for its superior gluten content, which contributes to a lighter texture and better rise.
- While the bread machine streamlines the baking process, traditional methods involving manual kneading and proofing can also be employed for those who prefer a hands-on approach to breadmaking.
Embrace the simplicity of French cuisine with this effortless yet immensely satisfying French bread recipe. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted to perfection, each slice offers a taste of culinary tradition that’s sure to delight your senses and transport you to the streets of Paris with every bite.
