Easy Crusty French Bread

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier with good fats.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough adds depth of flavor.

Measure 468 grams of flour into a bowl using a kitchen scale.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon of powdered milk, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the flour.

Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Mix the dry ingredients and slowly add water while mixing.

Increase the mixer speed and knead the dough for 8 minutes until the bowl is clean.

Transfer the dough to a greased container and let it proof until doubled in size, about 40-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a pan with lava rocks on the bottom shelf.

Once the dough has risen, degas it and shape it into an 8x8 inch rectangle.

Fold the edges of the dough towards the center to create a thicker middle, then roll it into a loaf shape.

Place the shaped dough seam side down in a pan and cover with a tea towel to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Prepare an egg wash by mixing 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

Slash the top of the risen dough in three places about 1/4 inch deep using a sharp serrated blade.

Brush the egg wash over the top of the dough.

Place the bread in the oven and add a cup of water to the pan below to create steam.

Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the bread reaches an internal temperature of 195-200°F.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens