Family Favorite French Bread
Family Favorite French Bread offers a crusty, airy loaf with a rich flavor, perfect for sandwiches or served alongside meals, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a mixer bowl.
- Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the bowl.
- Using a dough hook, mix until well blended, about 2 minutes.
- Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes longer.
- Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half.
- Roll each half into a 12 x 15-inch rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle tightly, tapering the ends to form loaves.
- Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Make 4 cuts across the top of each loaf.
- Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 25 minutes.
- Beat egg white with cold water and brush on the loaves.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don't have cornmeal, you can use flour for dusting the baking sheet. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if unsure, proof it before mixing. Kneading is crucial for gluten development, so don’t skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French bread warm with a side of herbed butter or your favorite jam for a delightful breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Dill Pickles for a savory snack. You can also slice it for sandwiches or serve alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crusty exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Favorite French Bread contains roughly 1854 calories, with 44g protein, 332g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and protein (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to proof it in warm water first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients for a quicker process.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is correct (between 105°F and 115°F). If your kitchen is too cold, find a warmer spot or turn on the oven for a few minutes to warm it slightly before placing the dough inside to rise.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or olives to the bread?
Absolutely! You can fold in shredded cheese, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes during the kneading process. Just be cautious not to add too much moisture, as it may affect the dough’s consistency.
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).