Classic French Bread
Classic french bread is a delightful, crusty loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. This bread features a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior, making it a staple in any kitchen. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home as it rises and bakes to perfection!
This recipe is french style, breakfast, scaled for 8 servings, with 20 min prep and 30 min cook.
Prep: 20 min · Cook: 30 min · Total: 50 min · Serves: 8
Quick cooking notes
- Core ingredients include salt, all-purpose flour, sugar, water.
- Follow all 10 steps in order for the intended texture and doneness.
- Ingredient quantities listed below are for 8 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 cups water (warm)
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then create a well in the center.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller pieces for baguettes.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Make several slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Nutrition values are estimates based on stored ingredient totals and serving size.