How to make New Orleans French Bread

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

yeast

💰Cheaper: sourdough starter

Sourdough starter provides a unique flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds richness.

In a stand mixer bowl, add 4 cups of bread flour, 1 tbsp of sugar, 2 and 1/2 tsp of instant yeast, and 1 tsp of salt. Stir together.

Add 1 and 3/4 cups plus 1 tsp of warm water (about 115°F) and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients.

Mix on medium low speed for 7 minutes until slightly sticky.

Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for 2 minutes, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Form the dough into a ball and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Press the dough down to release gases, then cut it in half with a serrated knife.

Spray an 11 by 17 inch baking pan with Baker Joy non-stick baking spray.

Form each half of the dough into a long rectangle, stretching it to the length of the baking pan.

Place the two pieces of dough into the baking pan and cut diagonal slits on top with a serrated knife.

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 30-35 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until hollow-sounding when tapped.

Cool the bread for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens