French Bread Recipe, also known as baguette, is a classic staple of French cuisine and is recognized worldwide for its long, slender shape and crisp crust. It is characterized by its light and airy interior with a slightly chewy texture. The simplicity of its ingredients allows the flavor of the bread to shine.
The crust of French bread is one of its defining features. It is thin, golden brown, and often crackles when you break it. The crust is achieved through a process called steam baking, where the bread is baked in a hot oven with steam. This method helps create a crispy crust while keeping the interior moist and tender.
When you tear into French bread, you’ll notice its fluffy, hole-ridden crumb. The texture is open and irregular, with larger and smaller air pockets throughout. This structure gives the bread its characteristic chewiness and lightness.
The flavor of French bread is mild and slightly tangy. It has a subtle wheat taste with a hint of sweetness. The fermentation process of the dough, often through the use of a preferment like a poolish or levain, contributes to its complex flavor profile.
French bread is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, sliced and spread with butter, or used as a base for sandwiches. Its crusty exterior and soft interior make it perfect for creating sandwiches with various fillings, from classic ham and cheese to gourmet combinations. It also pairs well with soups, stews, and salads, adding texture and flavor to a meal.
Whether you’re in France or enjoying French bread elsewhere in the world, it provides a delightful sensory experience. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the sound of the crust crackling, and the pleasure of tearing into a warm loaf are all part of the charm of French bread. So, here’s a classic French bread recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
Instructions:
- Firstly, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, pour the yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Stir together with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a long loaf. Then, transfer the loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, make a few diagonal slashes on the top with a sharp knife or a bread lame. This helps the bread expand and creates the classic French bread appearance. Then, bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Finally, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade French bread! It’s perfect for enjoying with butter, making sandwiches, or serving alongside soups and stews.
