How To Make 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.

Make the sponge by mixing bread flour, yeast, and lukewarm water until smooth.

Cover the sponge and let it rise until bubbly.

Add more yeast to warm water and stir.

Combine the sponge with the rest of the bread flour and salt, mixing until incorporated.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until soft.

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 1.5 hours.

Divide the dough into four pieces and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Shape each piece into a loaf, tapering the ends.

Cover the shaped loaves to prevent drying out until risen.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

Slash the tops of the loaves and brush with water to rehydrate.

Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, adding boiling water to create steam.

Turn the loaves halfway through baking for even cooking.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens