Sure! Here are a couple of easy French bread recipes along with some tips on how to make them.
Basic French Baguette Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups allpurpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help activate the yeast)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry yeast):
In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 510 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture (or add the instant yeast directly to the flour). Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until combined, forming a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 12 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Baguettes:
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 23 equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette by rolling it into an elongated form, tapering the ends.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baguette pan. Cover and let rise for another 3040 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack for steaming.
8. Score the Baguettes:
Using a sharp knife or a lame, make several diagonal slashes on top of each baguette.
9. Bake:
Place the baguettes in the oven, and immediately pour hot water into the shallow pan to create steam. Bake for 2025 minutes or until golden brown and hollowsounding when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool:
Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Easy French Bread Rolls
Ingredients:
3 cups allpurpose flour
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes (if using instant yeast, skip this step). Add salt and slowly incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead:
Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 68 minutes until smooth.
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 3040 minutes.
6. Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake:
Bake the rolls for 1520 minutes until golden. If desired, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
8. Cool:
Let them cool on a wire rack.
Tips for Making French Bread:
Temperature: Yeast thrives in warm environments (not too hot!). The ideal temperature for the dough is around 75°F85°F (24°C29°C).
Steam: Creating steam in the oven helps develop a great crust. You can do this by placing a pan of water in the oven.
Flour: For a chewier texture, you can substitute a portion of allpurpose flour with bread flour.
Experiment: Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipes, try adding herbs, cheese, or olives to the dough for a twist on the classic French bread.
Enjoy baking your French bread!