Imagine filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked French bread without spending hours in the kitchen. This quick and easy recipe will transform you from a novice baker to a bread-making maestro in less than an hour! Whether you're craving a warm accompaniment to your meal or want to impress your family and friends with homemade goodness, this foolproof French bread recipe is your ticket to culinary success.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Slowly add 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until the mixture begins to come together into a sticky dough.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dough and continue to mix until the oil is incorporated and the dough starts to form a ball.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf. You can form it into a round or oval shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 10 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- After the second rise, make a few diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf using a sharp knife or a bread lame. This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
- Optional: For a crustier loaf, you can spray the dough with water or place a small pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your fresh, homemade French bread!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate.
- Kneading Technique: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works great.
- Slash with Confidence: Those diagonal cuts aren't just decorative - they help the bread expand and create that classic French bread look.
- Moisture is Key: The optional water spray or water pan in the oven creates steam, which helps develop a crispy, golden crust.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set and prevent a gummy texture.
- Storage Tip: Store your freshly baked bread in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
