Baking French bread at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. French bread, also known as baguette, is characterized by its crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. Here's a basic recipe for making French bread:
Ingredients:
- 500g bread flour (all-purpose flour can also be used)
- 10g salt
- 7g active dry yeast (or 20g fresh yeast)
- 350ml warm water
Instructions:
Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be inactive, and you'll need to start with fresh yeast.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
Add the yeast mixture: Slowly pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and start kneading it. Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for a similar duration.
First rise: Form the 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 at room temperature for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Shape the loaves: Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette shape by rolling it into a long, thin cylinder. Taper the ends to create the characteristic baguette shape. You can place the formed baguettes on a floured surface or use a baguette pan to maintain their shape.
Second rise: Cover the shaped baguettes with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a shallow pan at the bottom of the oven to create steam during baking, which will help develop a crispy crust.
Score the loaves: Before placing the baguettes in the oven, use a sharp knife or a blade to make diagonal slashes (score) along the top of each loaf. This helps the bread expand while baking and gives it that classic French bread appearance.
Bake the bread: Transfer the baguettes to a baking stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in the preheated oven and pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan at the bottom to create steam. This step is essential for achieving a crisp crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown.
Cool: Once baked, remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked French bread with butter, cheese, or as a side to your favorite meals. Bon appétit!