Easy French Bread Recipe: Make Two Delicious Loaves at Home

French bread is a staple in many households, known for its crispy crust and soft interior. This easy French bread recipe yields two loaves and takes about 3 to 4 hours to prepare. It is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that fits well into French cuisine. The process involves simple ingredients and steps, making it accessible for home bakers.

• 2 cups warm milk (488 g)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (28.4 g)
• 2 packages active dry yeast (14.4 g)
• 1/4 cup warm water (59 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
• 7 1/2 to 8 cups flour (969 g)

• Large bowl
• Mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Greased bowl
• Cloth for covering dough
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife or razor blade
• Wire racks

Procedure

1. Scald the milk and butter by heating them to at least 180°F (82°C), then let them cool to at least 105°F (40°C).
2. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooled butter and milk mixture, along with salt, to the yeast.
4. Add flour gradually, mixing until the dough becomes thick and pulls off the spoon like gum.
5. Knead the dough until it is springy and smooth, about 10 minutes. A mixer with a dough hook can be used for this step.
6. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover with a cloth.
7. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.
8. Punch down the dough, turn it out, and divide it in half.
9. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Shape each half of the dough into a square.
11. Roll each piece into a 10 x 15-inch oblong; roll up each starting on the long side.
12. Place each oblong on a greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
13. Slash loaf tops diagonally with a floured sharp knife or razor blade.
14. Brush loaves with water and bake for 10 minutes.
15. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C), brush loaves with water again, and bake another 10 minutes.
16. Brush loaves with water once more and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
17. Cool on wire racks.

Nutritional Values

This easy French bread recipe is perfect for those who love baking at home. The steps are straightforward, ensuring even beginners can achieve delicious results. Enjoy your homemade bread fresh from the oven!