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Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe
Who knew that making French bread could be easier than mispronouncing "baguette"? Here’s a delightful recipe for Easy Homemade French Bread that will have you baking like a pro!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
Add salt and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan.
Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Kitchen Essentials
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
Chef's Notes
Use fresh yeast for best results.
Let your loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
Troubleshooting
Variations
Healthy Swaps
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter or olive oil.
Pair with soups or salads for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Suitable Diets
Presentation Ideas
Storage & Conservation
Leftover Ideas
Mistakes to Avoid
Common Questions
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
It can last 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
Absolutely! You can skip the initial proofing step.
It might not have risen enough; ensure the yeast is active.
Definitely! Try adding seeds or nuts for added texture.
It should be smooth and elastic, not sticky.
Yes, you can follow your machine's instructions for similar recipes.