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French Bread
5 from 3 votes

French Bread

Dive into the world of baking with this incredibly rewarding French bread recipe! No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques; just simple, straightforward steps to achieve the epitome of crusty, golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 2 baguettes
Calories: 921 kcal
Course: Baked Goods
Cuisine: European, French

Ingredients

  • 500 g plain flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp yeast Active dry
  • 350 ml water Warm

Instructions

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  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette by flattening the dough into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly from one end.
  6. Place the shaped baguettes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them proof for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. While the baguettes are proofing, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
  8. Before baking, use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make diagonal slashes along the tops of the baguettes. This not only adds a decorative touch but also allows the bread to expand while baking. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Once the baguettes are baked, transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Feel free to experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra flavour.
  • For a crispier crust, you can place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
  • Enjoy your homemade French bread, perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply with a smear of butter!
  • Nutritional facts:
  • The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition Information

Calories 921kcal (46%) Carbohydrates 192g (64%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Sodium 1953mg (81%) Potassium 301mg (6%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin C 0.01mg (0%) Calcium 45mg (5%) Iron 12mg (67%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 baguettes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 921

% Daily Value*

Calories 921kcal 46%
Carbohydrates 192g 64%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Sodium 1953mg 81%
Potassium 301mg 6%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin C 0.01mg 0%
Calcium 45mg 5%
Iron 12mg 67%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.