Homemade French Bread
User Reviews
5
Homemade French Bread
Description
This Homemade French Bread recipe begins by activating yeast in warm water and sugar, then mixing in salt and flour to form a stiff dough. Kneading develops gluten, creating structure for the bread. After a first rise to double volume, the dough is punched down and rises a second time, which improves flavor and texture. Shaping the dough into a long loaf and cutting diagonal slits enables expansion during baking and gives the classic French bread appearance.
Baking at a high temperature produces a crisp, golden crust with a soft crumb inside. The egg white wash applied before baking contributes a subtle sheen. This bread pairs well with a variety of meals or can be sliced for sandwiches.
A stand mixer with a dough hook can speed up kneading, mixing for about 90 seconds. Proper dough handling and rising times help achieve a good crumb and rise. Cooling on a rack prevents sogginess after baking.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup water 110° to 115°, warm
- 1 package active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Combine sugar and 1 cup warm water in a bowl. Stir in yeast and let stand 5 minutes.
- Stir in salt and 2 cups of flour. Continue adding flour a bit at a time to form a stiff dough. Knead until about 5 minutes (or use a dough hook on a stand mixer per notes below).
- Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled. Punch dough down and let rise 30 minutes more.
- Roll dough into a 14"x10" square and roll up jelly roll style to create a 14"x2.5" loaf. Place on a parchment lined pan seam side down. Using a sharp knife, cut 3-4 diagonal slits into the loaf (about ¼" deep).
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise 30-40 minutes or until doubled. Brush bread with egg white. Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place in the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until browned. Cool on a baking rack.
Notes
- You can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough efficiently for about 90 seconds.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 95 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 95 | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 130mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 35mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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