French Bread

1h 40m
Serves 2
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Directions

  1. 1Add 2 and 1/3 cups of warm water to a measuring cup.
  2. 2Add 1 tablespoon of yeast to the warm water.
  3. 3Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture.
  4. 4Mix the yeast, sugar, and water until combined.
  5. 5Set the mixture aside for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy on top.
  6. 6Add 5 cups of bread flour to a large bowl.
  7. 7Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to the flour and mix it in.
  8. 8Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the flour and salt mixture.
  9. 9Start incorporating the flour into the liquid, adding it a little at a time.
  10. 10Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together and get thicker.
  11. 11Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading by hand.
  12. 12If the dough is too wet, add a little bit of flour at a time until it reaches the desired sticky but not too sticky texture.
  13. 13Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is sticky but not sticking to your hands.
  14. 14Add some oil to a clean bowl.
  15. 15Place the dough into the oiled bowl, coat it in oil, and flip it.
  16. 16Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a warm, damp towel.
  17. 17Let the dough proof in the warmest part of your house (or in an oven with the oven off) until it doubles in size, which takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
  18. 18Punch out all the air bubbles from the proofed dough.
  19. 19Sprinkle some flour on your work surface.
  20. 20Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on the floured surface.
  21. 21Cut the dough in half.
  22. 22Press one half of the dough down into a rectangular shape.
  23. 23Roll the dough inwards and tuck in the ends to form a loaf shape.
  24. 24Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  25. 25Let the shaped loaf rest for another 30 minutes.
  26. 26Cut some small slashes into the top of the loaf with a mini butcher's knife.
  27. 27Bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 17 to 20 minutes.
  28. 28Remove the golden-brown French bread from the oven.
  29. 29Cut and enjoy the fluffy bread.

Ingredients

  • 2.33 cups Warm water
  • 1 tablespoon Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 5 cups Bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • Oil

Equipment

Measuring cupWhiskLarge bowlPlastic wrapDamp towelMini butcher's knifeBaking sheetParchment paper

Tips

  • Ensure warm water is like bath water; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it.
  • Sugar activates the yeast.
  • Add salt to the flour, not directly to the yeast water, as salt kills yeast.
  • When kneading, add flour sparingly if the dough is too wet, as a little goes a long way.
  • Proof the dough in the warmest part of your house, or in the oven with the oven off.

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