Are you ready to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home? Look no further! This "Perfect Fluffy French Bread" recipe is your ticket to creating two golden, airy loaves that are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to enjoy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can master the art of French bread baking and transform your kitchen into a cozy boulangerie. Get ready to knead, rise, and bake your way to perfection—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate bowl, activate the yeast by combining 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a dough whisk until the ingredients are just combined and a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces for the loaves.
- Shape each piece of dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under to create a smooth surface.
- Place the shaped loaves seam-side down into greased loaf pans. Cover them again with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
- While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking when the loaves are finished rising.
- Once the loaves have risen, use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make a few shallow slashes on the top of each loaf. This allows steam to escape and helps the bread to rise properly in the oven.
- Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your perfect fluffy French bread fresh or toasted, with butter, jam, or as a side to your favorite meals!
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to properly activate the yeast. Too hot or too cold water can hinder the yeast's ability to rise.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your bread that perfect fluffy texture. Don't rush this step!
- Create a Warm Rising Environment: If your kitchen is chilly, place the dough in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on. This will create a warm, draft-free space for the dough to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Slashes: Making shallow slashes on top of the loaves before baking allows for steam to escape and helps the bread rise beautifully in the oven.
- Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaves; if they sound hollow, they’re ready! An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) ensures a perfectly baked loaf.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain the texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.Enjoy these tips as you embark on your baking adventure, and watch as your homemade French bread becomes a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
