Chuck William's Country French Bread Bread Machine

Experience the rustic charm of French baking with Chuck William's Country French Bread, effortlessly made in your bread machine. This recipe combines simple pantry staples—water, salt, bread flour, and active dry yeast—to create a loaf with an irresistibly crispy crust and soft, airy interior. With just 5 minutes of prep time, your bread machine takes care of the rest, from kneading to baking, ensuring foolproof results every time. Perfect for slicing into thick cuts for sandwiches, serving alongside hearty soups, or simply enjoying with butter, this artisan-style bread is the ultimate homemade comfort food. Tailored for convenience and packed with authentic French flavor, it’s a must-try for bread-making enthusiasts and novices alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:245 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups Water
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 4.25 cups Bread flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast

Directions

Step 1

Ensure your bread machine pan is clean and dry before starting.

Step 2

Add the water (lukewarm for best results) into the bread machine pan first.

Step 3

Sprinkle the salt evenly over the water.

Step 4

Gently add the bread flour, spreading it evenly over the water and salt so it forms a layer.

Step 5

Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast into the well, avoiding contact with the water.

Step 6

Place the bread machine pan into the machine and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7

Select the 'French Bread' program on your bread machine. Choose the desired crust shade (light, medium, or dark) based on your preference.

Step 8

Press the start button to begin the mixing, kneading, and baking process. This will take approximately 4 hours depending on your bread machine model.

Step 9

Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine (it will be hot—use oven mitts).

Step 10

Turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or serving.

Step 11

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(850.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1955.0

Total Fat 8.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4743.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 406.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.6g
Protein 66.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 99.7mg	0%
Iron 23.7mg	0%
Potassium 674.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.8%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 82.7%