10 Minute French Bread
A quick and easy French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed with butter and jam, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the quick rise yeast, sugar, warm water, and peanut oil in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture over the flour mixture and knead well or use a mixer with a dough hook until smooth.
- Place the dough in a bowl sprayed with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Punch down the dough, cover, and let rise for another 10 minutes.
- Punch down the dough again, cover, and let rise for a third time for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 3 sections, roll each into a rectangle, and shape into loaves.
- Place the loaves on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker rise, ensure your water temperature is within 110 to 120°F, as this activates the quick rise yeast effectively. If you don't have peanut oil, canola or vegetable oil can be suitable substitutes. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter right after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This French bread is perfect for serving alongside hearty soups or stews, like those found in Kraut, Potatoes And Pork Ribs. It also makes fantastic sandwiches or can be enjoyed with dips, such as Kielbasa Dip. Slice it warm and pair with butter or a spread of your choice for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 10 Minute French Bread contains roughly 2381 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 241g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yeast instead of quick rise yeast?
Yes, you can use regular yeast, but you'll need to allow the dough to rise longer. Activate the yeast in warm water with sugar for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients, and adjust the rising times accordingly to ensure a good rise.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, check the yeast's expiration date and ensure your water is warm enough, not hot. If it's too cold, the yeast won't activate properly. Also, try to place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or olives to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding ingredients like shredded cheese or chopped olives can enhance the flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may affect the dough's ability to rise. Incorporate them gently into the dough during the kneading process.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).