Deer Valley'S French Bread
Enjoy this classic French bread with a crisp crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to any meal, suited for bread lovers and home bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add sugar; let sit until bubbly.
- Add oil, 2 cups of flour, and salt; beat until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until you have a soft dough.
- Knead well on a floured surface.
- Let the dough rise once until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into two long loaves.
- Slash the tops with a knife.
- Let rise again after shaping.
- Bake at 400°F until the crust is golden brown.
- If a soft crust is desired, brush with melted butter after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use active dry yeast and ensure your water is between 100°F to 110°F for optimal yeast activation. If you don't have cooking oil, melted butter can be a delicious substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough. Remember to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Serving Suggestions
This French bread pairs beautifully with soups and stews, making it a perfect accompaniment to hearty meals. Serve it with a spread of herb butter or alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch. For an indulgent treat, try it with a dip of melted cheese or a rich tapenade. Consider serving it with sides like Sweet Onion Confetti for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag, freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deer Valley'S French Bread contains roughly 1837 calories, with 18g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value). 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 half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, the texture may be denser, so you might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why is my bread not rising properly?
Several factors can affect rising. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated in warm water, not hot. The environment should also be warm and draft-free for optimal rising. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm atmosphere.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking for the best results.
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).