Crusty Country Style French Bread
Experience the classic charm of homemade baking with this Crusty Country Style French Bread recipe! Featuring a perfectly golden, artisan-style crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread is the epitome of rustic comfort. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of honey for subtle sweetness, this recipe uses traditional techniques such as kneading and steam baking to achieve authentic results. The warm, freshly baked aroma will transport you straight to a quaint French countryside. Ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or simply smeared with butter, this versatile bread is a must-try for bread enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade bread for the first time, this recipe delivers a bakery-quality loaf that's sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams All-purpose flour
- 7 grams Active dry yeast
- 350 milliliters Warm water (around 38°C or 100°F)
- 10 grams Salt
- 15 grams Honey (optional for a slightly sweet flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for greasing)
- 2 tablespoons Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Directions
Step 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and optional honey in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt.
Step 3
Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough starts to form.
Step 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Step 5
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6
After the first rise, punch down the dough to deflate it and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round boule or a long baguette, depending on your preference.
Step 7
Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffed.
Step 8
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Place an empty metal baking tray on the lower rack of the oven while it preheats.
Step 9
Once the oven is hot, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make 2-4 shallow slashes on the surface of the bread dough. This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
Step 10
Place the baking sheet with the dough in the middle rack of the oven. Quickly pour a cup of hot water into the empty metal tray on the lower rack to create steam, then close the oven door immediately. This will help develop a crispy crust.
Step 11
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If necessary, rotate the bread halfway through cooking for even browning.
Step 12
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack completely before slicing. Enjoy your crusty country-style French bread!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (916.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2060.7 |
| Total Fat 19.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 2.7g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3947.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 409.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.5g | |
| Protein 55.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 71.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 707.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories