Ah, French bread. That light yet hearty bread that’s so versatile and so delicious.
Whether it’s a sturdy foundation for a tasty sandwich or a delicious side to any meal, French bread gets the job done! But, have you ever wondered how to make French bread? Well, worry no more!
In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about French bread making.
Preparing French Bread for the Oven
Before you can pop a French baguette in the oven, you’ll need the right ingredients and tools. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science!
All you need is all-purpose flour, active-dry yeast, salt, and warm water. You’ll also need a large bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a wooden spoon and your hands.
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients and tools, the next step is to mix the dough.
First, mix the yeast, salt, and half the flour together in a bowl. Then add the warm water, and stir to combine.
Once it’s mixed, gradually add in the rest of the flour until the dough is nice and stiff. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Once it’s all mixed, set it aside and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you poke the dough with your finger and it springs back.
Baking French Bread in the Oven
Now that you have your dough all set, it’s time to bake! Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the dough on a lightly floured baking sheet.
Score the dough several times with a sharp knife. This will allow it to rise to its fullest potential.
Next, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread and make sure it doesn’t get too dark.
When it’s done, it should have a golden-brown color and be cooked through.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Baking French Bread can be a tricky business. If you find that your bread is too dark, don’t worry! Just lower the temperature of the oven a bit and make sure to check it frequently.
Better to have lighter bread than burnt bread!
If you find that your French bread isn’t cooked through, that’s also easily fixed. Just add a few minutes of baking time, and keep checking it until it’s cooked all the way through.
Serving Suggestions for French Bread
Now that you have a delicious loaf of French bread, it’s time to enjoy it. One of the best ways to serve French bread is to make toast.
You can top your toast with olive oil and herbs, honey, or your favorite jam or jelly.
You can also use leftover French bread to make croutons or French toast. Or why not make a delicious panini sandwich with your homemade French bread? The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Making French bread at home is a relatively easy process. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delightfully delicious loaf of French bread in no time. Bon appétit!