French Bread(Makes 6 Loaves)
Crusty, golden French bread with a tender interior, perfect for sandwiches or dipping. Aromatic and satisfying, ideal for bread lovers and home bakers seeking authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a bowl and let sit until foamy.
- Mix sugar and salt into 4 cups warm water until dissolved.
- Add shortening and the yeast mixture to the water and mix well.
- Add flour gradually and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until it is not sticky, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat the surface with oil, and cover.
- Punch down the dough every 10 minutes for a total of 5 times, then let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Shape the dough into loaves by rolling out into rectangular shapes and then rolling into loaves.
- Cut diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
- Let the loaves rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F for activating the yeast. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Kneading the dough adequately is key to developing gluten for a better rise. To achieve a crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This French bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside a warm bowl of soup. It pairs beautifully with Medley Marinade (Vegetable Salad) for a refreshing meal. You can also slice it and toast it for bruschetta or serve it with dips at gatherings. A glass of Sugar Cane-Mandarin Fruit Drink complements the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread(Makes 6 Loaves) contains roughly 2904 calories, with 37g protein, 279g carbohydrates, and 184g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), protein (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% 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 up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, the texture will be denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it's possible the yeast was inactive or the water was too hot or too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If needed, give it more time to rise, as different environments can affect proofing times.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F to 200°F. Allow it to cool before slicing for the best texture.
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).