Connie'S Easy French Bread
A simple, crusty French bread with a tender interior, perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed with butter. Suitable for bread lovers and beginner bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and mix.
- Add sugar, salt, shortening, and hot water to the yeast mixture.
- Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, and mix after each addition.
- After all the flour is added, let the dough set for 15 minutes.
- Stir the dough again, then let it set for another 15 minutes.
- Repeat this process 4 times, for a total of about 1 hour.
- Let the dough rise, covered, until it doubles in size.
- Form the dough into one loaf and place it on a floured baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the loaf with cold water.
- Make 5 diagonal slashes in the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Let the loaf rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is just right—too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or olive oil. Kneading the dough well will help develop gluten, giving you a better rise. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warm spot to help it rise.
Serving Suggestions
This easy French bread is perfect for toasting and slathering with butter or your favorite jam, like Raspberry Jelly. Serve alongside soups, stews, or salads for a complete meal. It also makes a great base for sandwiches. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with dishes like Marilyn'S English Pasties during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag, where it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Connie'S Easy French Bread contains roughly 2542 calories, with 17g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 242g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour in this recipe, but it may result in denser bread. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a good texture, then adjust based on your preference in future batches.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven with the light on. If it still doesn’t rise, you may need to start over with fresh ingredients.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for a perfectly baked loaf.
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).