Best 5 Authentic Crusty French Bread Recipes
In the realm of bread baking, few loaves hold a more esteemed position than the classic French bread, also known as pain français. With its golden-brown crust that yields to a tender, airy crumb, this bread is a testament to the artistry and skill of bakers. Join us on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of creating an authentic crusty French bread. This comprehensive guide will present a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that cater to every skill level, from novice bakers to seasoned professionals. Whether you prefer the traditional methods of using a sourdough starter or the convenience of commercial yeast, we have recipes that will guide you step-by-step to achieve the perfect loaf. Discover the secrets of proper kneading, fermentation, and baking techniques that transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece. Along the way, you'll learn how to achieve that signature crusty exterior and the delicate, flavorful crumb that makes French bread so irresistible. Embrace the art of bread making and embark on a delightful baking adventure that will leave you with a loaf that is both visually stunning and tantalizingly delicious.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CRUSTY FRENCH LOAF
A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. -Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 45m
Yield 1 loaf (16 pieces).
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, oil, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; return to bowl. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. , Preheat oven to 375°. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 16x2-1/2-in. loaf with tapered ends. Sprinkle cornmeal over a greased baking sheet; place loaf on baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes. , Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough. With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes 2 in. apart across top of loaf. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 225mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD
I love to treat guests to these crusty French bread loaves. Don't hesitate to try this recipe even if you are not an accomplished bread baker. It's so easy because there's no kneading required! -Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 50m
Yield 2 loaves (10 slices each).
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Add the sugar, salt, shortening, remaining water and 3-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Turn onto a floured surface. Divide in half; let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into a 10x8-in. rectangle. Roll up from a long side; pinch to seal. Place seam side down on 2 greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle the tops with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , With a very sharp knife, make 5 diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Bake at 400° until lightly browned, 20-30 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Fat 1g fat, Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 233mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate, Fiber 3g protein.
CLASSIC AND CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
- Mix in the bread flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough is formed.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it for about 8 minutes.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl and flip the dough over so that all of the dough is lightly greased, including the dough top . Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until double in size.
- Punch down the dough .
- Give the dough a quick 2-minute knead.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal halves. Shape each half into a long loaf.
- Place the loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet. Make about 5 diagonal slits, 3/4 inch deep, into the top of each loaf.
- Cover loaves with a clean towel or greased plastic wrap and let them rise for 45 minutes or until double in size. Heat the oven to 400 F.
- If you'd like, brush the loaves with the beaten egg white for a shiny crust, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake at 400 F for 5 minutes.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and use a mister or spray bottle to lightly spray the tops of the loaves with cold water. Turn the oven down to 350 F and bake the loaves for another 25 minutes or until done.
- Remove the loaves from the baking sheet and let them cool on a rack.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 18 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 1 g, ServingSize 2 loaves (20 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD
I adore this recipe for it's simplicity and versitility! I have added everything from cinnamon sugar to garlic and cheese to this bread, and it still turns out beautifully every single time! If you have the time, this bread really benefits if allowed one single, overnight rise covered in the fridge. The yeast flavors develop perfectly, and the texture is much nicer.
Provided by Wildflower5656
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 2h10m
Yield 2 loaves, 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Proof the yeast in the water and sugar.
- Knead in salt and flour until dough is well-developed.
- Let rise until double in size.
- Knead down gently, and allow to rise again.
- Form dough into two loaves and drop into greased bread pans. Allow to rise again.
- Bake at 400* until the loaves pull away from the pan edges, and sound hollow when tapped.
- *For really beautiful loaves, egg wash each toward the end of baking time with 1 well-beaten egg plus 1 TB of water.*.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 86, Fat 0.2, Sodium 117.4, Carbohydrate 18.1, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 1.3, Protein 2.4
FRENCH BREAD
A crisp, crunchy crust and slightly chewy center make this bread as traditional as the breads served in France.
Provided by Jenn Hall
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes White Bread Recipes
Time 2h40m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 cups warm water, and beat until well blended using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes total. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
- Punch dough down, and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.
- Grease a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush on. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.
- With a very sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 20 minutes. Brush again with egg white mixture. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until bread tests done. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning. Remove from baking sheet, and cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 94.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.5 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.9 g, Sodium 119.4 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips:
- Use a high-quality bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which will result in a crustier loaf of bread.
- Make sure the water is warm, but not hot. Hot water will kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising properly.
- Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes. Kneading the dough will help to develop the gluten, which will give the bread a chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to work and produce carbon dioxide, which will cause the bread to rise.
- Bake the bread in a preheated oven at a high temperature for the first 15 minutes. This will help to create a crispy crust.
- Reduce the oven temperature after 15 minutes and continue to bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
This authentic crusty French bread recipe will help you create a delicious and flavorful loaf of bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just eating on its own. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy fresh, homemade French bread whenever you want.
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