Crusty French Bread
Crusty French bread with a golden crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed simply with butter. Suitable for bread lovers and home bakers seeking authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add boiling water and cold water; cool to lukewarm.
- Blend yeast as directed on the package.
- Add yeast to the mixture.
- Gradually add sifted flour, mixing until well blended.
- Knead on a lightly floured board for 5 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and cover; let rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into long oblong loaves and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the loaves rise until double in size.
- Brush the dough with slightly beaten egg white.
- Cut the top of the dough diagonally across the top three times.
- Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crustier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used instead. To ensure your yeast is active, dissolve it in warm water (not boiling) before adding to the mixture. Use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you prefer whole wheat, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crusty French bread warm with a spread of butter or alongside a hearty soup or salad, such as Lemon Pineapple Carrot Salad. It also makes a great base for bruschetta or can be used for sandwiches. Experiment with dipping it in olive oil or balsamic vinegar for an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the bread for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crusty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty French Bread contains roughly 132 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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 active dry yeast instead of compressed yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of compressed yeast. Use the same amount, but dissolve it in warm water (about 110°F) before adding it to the mixture. This helps activate the yeast properly.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough fails to rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or an incorrect temperature. Ensure your yeast is fresh and dissolve it in warm water. Also, make sure to place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise adequately.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your French bread. For a cheesy variation, mix in grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar into the dough before kneading for a delicious twist.
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).