Elizabeth'S French Bread
Elizabeth's French Bread offers a crispy crust with a tender interior, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, appealing to bread lovers seeking homemade, rustic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Combine warm water, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Let the mixture sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in flour with a spoon until dough forms.
- Put the dough on a well-floured surface.
- Shape the dough into an oval, then cut in half, stretch, and twist each piece.
- Place the shaped dough on a greased cookie sheet.
- Cover with a dish towel and let sit in a warm place for 20 minutes.
- Make 1/2-inch slashes across the top of each loaf.
- Spray salted water on top of the loaves.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful crust, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or sprinkling them on top before baking. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour works in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly different. Make sure your water is warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast effectively. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until manageable.
Serving Suggestions
This French bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving with soups and salads. Try pairing it with a light salad or a hearty stew for a satisfying meal. It also works well as a base for bruschetta or served alongside dips. Enjoy it fresh with a smear of butter or garlic spread for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover French bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a breadbox or a cool, dry spot. It can also be stored in a zip-top bag. For best results, reheat slices in a toaster or an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore its crustiness without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elizabeth'S French Bread contains roughly 145 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2766mg per serving (120% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it with water first. This will save you some time and yield a similar result.
How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
Your French bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F indicates it is fully baked. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
What can I do if my bread dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm water. If the kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like near a preheating oven, to encourage rising.
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).