French Bread(Bread Machine)
A classic French bread with a crisp crust and tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals, suitable for bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip the egg whites until stiff and set aside.
- Put the ingredients in the bread machine in the order required by your machine.
- Start the machine; after all ingredients are mixed, stop the machine and add the beaten egg whites.
- When the dough is ready to form into a loaf, let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle or mist the loaf with water and cut slits in the top.
- Bake at 400° for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before adding them to the dough. If you're out of bread flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs can elevate the flavor profile. Make sure to check your bread machine's manual for the correct order of ingredients to avoid issues.
Serving Suggestions
This French bread is perfect for sandwiches, served alongside soups like Flu Soup, or with a hearty salad. Consider pairing it with butter and jam for breakfast or serving it with a cheese platter for an appetizer. It also complements pasta dishes wonderfully, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crustiness and freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread(Bread Machine) contains roughly 314 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% 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 instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the bread machine. This ensures the yeast is alive and will help your bread rise properly.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out too dense, it could be due to too much flour or not enough liquid. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately. You can also try adding a teaspoon of vital wheat gluten to improve the texture for future batches.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! You can fold in shredded cheese, herbs, or even spices during the mixing phase. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the dough with too many additions, as this can affect its structure and rise.
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).