French Bread Recipe
Indulge in our freshly baked French Bread, a golden-brown delight with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for dipping into olive oil, slathering with butter, or savoring on its own, this artisanal bread is a classic favorite that brings warmth and comfort to every meal.
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Ingredients
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Bread Ingredients
Method
Baking Instructions
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 5
Shape the Loaf
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a long loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6
Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- 7
Preheat and Score
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once risen, use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf.
- 8
Bake
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 9
Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
