Description
Homemade Bakery French Bread is a delightful, crusty loaf with a soft, pillowy interior that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for slathering with butter or making sandwiches, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic. With its golden crust and airy texture, this bread is sure to impress at any meal, making it a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Indulge in the joy of freshly baked bread that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- 3. Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until combined.
- 4. Knead: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- 5. First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 6. Shape & Bake: Punch down the dough, shape it into loaves, place on greased baking sheets, cover, and let rise again for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like rosemary or garlic powder. Store leftovers in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days or freeze once cooled.