French bread, also known as baguette, is a type of bread that originated in France. It is characterized by its long, thin shape and crispy crust. The traditional baguette is made from basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is typically fermented to develop flavor before being shaped into a cylindrical form and baked.
The key to a good baguette is the balance between a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Traditional French baguettes are usually around two feet long, but variations in size exist. The baguette’s iconic shape maximizes the surface area exposed to the heat of the oven, contributing to the development of the crust.
French Bread
4
servings30
minutes30
minutesFrench bread is a staple in French cuisine and is often enjoyed on its own or used to make sandwiches. It has also become popular worldwide, and you can find variations of French bread in many countries.
Ingredients
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet or 7g) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it in half.
- Shape each half into a baguette by rolling it into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly, sealing the seam.
- Place the shaped baguettes on a lightly floured or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Just before baking, slash the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife or razor blade.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and have a crisp crust.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
