French-Style Bread
A classic French-style bread with a crusty exterior and tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter. Suitable for bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the yeast with sugar and warm water in a large bowl and allow to proof.
- Mix the salt with the flour and add to the yeast mixture, a cup at a time, until you have a stiff dough.
- Remove the dough to a lightly floured board and knead until no longer sticky, about 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary.
- Place the dough in a buttered bowl and turn to coat the surface with butter.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to activate the yeast. If you want a crustier bread, place a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking. You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Using bread flour can also enhance the bread's texture.
Serving Suggestions
This French-style bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside a hearty soup. It pairs beautifully with Poached Pears With Almonds for a delightful contrast. Consider slicing it and toasting for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil as a fantastic appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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, place the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crustiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French-Style Bread contains roughly 849 calories, with 65g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), protein (130% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1581mg per serving (69% 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 use instant yeast as a substitute. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients instead of proofing it in water. You may need to reduce the amount slightly as instant yeast is more potent.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was appropriate. If the environment is too cold, try placing the dough in a warmer location, such as an oven with the light on or near a warm stove.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden-brown crust. You can also use a thermometer; it should read around 190°F when fully baked. If you prefer a softer crust, bake it for a shorter time.
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).