Classic French Bread 1 5 Lb Loaf
Elevate your baking game with this Classic French Bread recipe, yielding a beautiful, golden-brown 1.5 lb loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples like bread flour, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar, this artisan-inspired loaf achieves a soft interior with a delightfully crisp crust. The secret to its bakery-style texture lies in the use of steam during baking, creating a perfectly chewy crust that rivals your favorite boulangerie. Whether you're kneading by hand or using a stand mixer, this recipe guides you through every step to ensure success. Enjoy it fresh with butter, as a base for sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. With just 15 minutes of active prep time, this easy French bread is your go-to for homemade comfort and timeless flavor.
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Ingredients
- 3.5 cups Bread flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar
- 1.25 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for a softer crust)
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of bread flour, salt, sugar, and active dry yeast.
Step 2
Gradually add the warm water while mixing until it forms a smooth batter-like consistency. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Step 3
Add the olive oil (if using) and the remaining bread flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
Step 5
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then tightly rolling it up from the shorter end.
Step 7
Place the shaped dough onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, until it looks puffy.
Step 8
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an empty oven-safe pan on the lower rack to prepare for adding steam.
Step 9
Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade to create shallow diagonal slashes. This helps the bread expand and bake evenly.
Step 10
Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the preheated pan in the oven to create steam. Immediately place the bread on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 11
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (778.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1764.8 |
| Total Fat 20.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 3.3g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4732.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 343.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.7g | |
| Protein 55.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 67.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 580.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories