Best 3 Home Style French Bread Recipes

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**Introduction:**

Embark on a culinary journey to savor the delectable flavors of French bread, a timeless classic that has captivated taste buds for centuries. This versatile bread, with its crispy golden crust and airy, chewy interior, is a staple in French cuisine and a beloved addition to tables worldwide. In this article, we present a collection of carefully curated home-style French bread recipes that cater to every skill level and preference. From the classic French baguette to rustic boules and delectable flavored variations, our recipes offer a delightful exploration of this iconic bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making adventure, let us guide you through the process of creating perfect French bread that will elevate your meals and impress your loved ones. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on this delightful baking escapade!

**Recipes included in the article:**

1. **Classic French Baguette:** Master the art of creating the iconic French baguette with our detailed recipe. Learn the techniques to achieve the perfect crust and airy crumb structure that make this bread a true delight.

2. **Rustic French Boule:** Discover the charm of rustic French bread with our simple yet flavorful boule recipe. This round loaf, with its crispy crust and chewy interior, is perfect for sandwiches, soups, and everyday enjoyment.

3. **Savory Herb French Bread:** Elevate your bread game with our savory herb French bread recipe. Infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, this bread adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

4. **Cheese and Bacon French Bread:** Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our cheese and bacon French bread. Loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic, this bread is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

5. **Sweet Raisin French Toast:** Transform your French bread into a delightful breakfast treat with our sweet raisin French toast recipe. This classic dish features thick slices of bread soaked in a custard mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and topped with sweet raisins.

6. **Garlic Butter French Bread:** Experience the irresistible combination of garlic and butter with our garlic butter French bread recipe. This simple yet flavorful bread is perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or as a quick and easy snack.

7. **French Bread Pudding:** Don't let any leftover French bread go to waste! Our French bread pudding recipe turns stale bread into a decadent dessert. With a custard base, raisins, spices, and a crispy caramelized top, this pudding is a delightful way to end a meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRENCH BREAD



French Bread image

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

6 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water

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

FRENCH BREAD



French Bread image

Enjoy these warm loaves of traditional French bread, made at home by baking in oven.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 8h

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour*
1 package regular active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup very warm water (120° to 130°)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 to 1 2/3 cups bread flour

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix all-purpose flour and yeast. Add warm water. Beat with wire whisk or electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently, until batter is very smooth. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand about 1 hour or until bubbly.
  • Stir in salt and enough bread flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy (dough will be soft). Grease large bowl with shortening. Place dough in bowl, turning dough to grease all sides. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until dough has doubled in size. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
  • Grease uninsulated cookie sheet with shortening or spray with cooking spray. Place dough on lightly floured surface, forming it into an oval-shaped mound. Sprinkle top of dough with flour. Press straight down with a straight-edged knife lengthwise on dough to divide it into 2 equal parts (the parts will be elongated in shape). Gently shape each part into a narrow loaf, about 16 inches long, stretching the top of the loaf slightly to make it smooth. Place loaves, smooth sides up, about 4 inches apart on cookie sheet.
  • Cover loaves loosely, but airtight, with plastic wrap. (Loaves will expand slightly in the refrigerator.) Refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours. (This step can be omitted, but refrigerating develops the flavor and texture of the bread. If omitted, continue with next step.)
  • Uncover loaves and spray with cool water; let loaves rise in warm place about 1 hour or until refrigerated loaves have come to room temperature.
  • Place 8-inch or 9-inch square pan on bottom rack of oven; add hot water to pan until about 1/2 inch from the top. Heat oven to 475° F.
  • Carefully cut 1/4-inch-deep slashes diagonally across loaves at 2-inch intervals with sharp serrated knife. Spray loaves with cool water. Place loaves in oven and spray again.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 450° F. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until loaves are deep golden with crisp crust and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack; cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 40, Carbohydrate 9 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Slice, Sodium 75 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

FRENCH BREAD



French Bread image

"My husband game me a bread machine for Christmas the year we were married, and I use it about once a week," notes Janet Vink from Geneseo, Illinois. "We like slices of this bread with a spaghetti dinner and often use the leftovers for French toast."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 10

1-1/4 cups water (70° to 80°)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon cornmeal
GLAZE:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted, optional

Steps:

  • In bread machine pan, place the first five ingredients in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed)., When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal., Sprinkle a greased baking sheet with cornmeal; place loaves seam side down on prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes., Whisk egg and water; brush over loaves. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 77mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

Tips:

  • Ensure Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients, especially for yeast and salt.
  • Activate Yeast Properly: Check the water temperature before adding yeast. It should be warm to the touch, around 105-115°F (40-46°C), to activate the yeast effectively.
  • Adequate Kneading: Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, resulting in a chewy and well-structured bread.
  • Create a Warm Environment: Place the dough in a warm spot, such as a turned-off oven with a light on, to aid in rising. Maintaining a warm environment promotes optimal yeast activity and a successful rise.
  • Score the Dough: Before baking, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking and creates a visually appealing crust.
  • Bake at High Temperature: Preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C), to create a crispy crust and a fluffy interior.

Conclusion:

Creating homemade French bread is a rewarding culinary experience that can produce delicious, fresh bread. By following the detailed recipe and incorporating the provided tips, you can achieve a golden brown crust, a chewy texture, and a flavorful crumb. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to master the art of baking French bread and impress your family and friends with this classic bread.

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