COOK WITH ME | HOW TO BAKE HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD RECIPE | FRUGAL FIT MOM

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients while bread flour enhances texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor, while margarine is often cheaper.

Boil a pot of water on the stove; this will create a humid environment for the bread to rise.

In a Bosch mixer, combine 2.5 cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, and 3 tablespoons of white sugar; let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1/3 cup of oil, and 1 tablespoon of salt to the yeast mixture.

Gradually add 6-7 cups of all-purpose white flour (and a tiny bit of whole wheat flour if desired), mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

If the dough is still sticking, add additional flour gradually until the desired texture is achieved.

Let the dough rise in a greased bowl (with oil) in the oven with the pot of boiling water for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size; cover with a clean kitchen towel.

Punch down the dough 2-5 times during the rising process, depending on available time.

Prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper and cornmeal to prevent sticking.

Shape the dough into loaves and place them on the prepared pans; let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens