Lean French Bread
A crusty, flavorful French bread with a light, airy crumb, perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals, offering a satisfying homemade touch for bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add salt and 4 1/2 cups of flour, stirring well.
- Add more flour to form a heavy mass.
- Turn onto floured surface.
- Knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth, satiny, and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Turn to cover all surfaces.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 to 3 hours.
- Combine cornstarch and boiling water; cool.
- Punch down dough and turn onto work surface.
- Divide dough into 4 portions.
- Roll each into 12 to 13-inch lengths, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or French bread forms.
- Slash the dough diagonally 3 times.
- Cover and let rise until almost doubled in size.
- Brush the loaves with the cornstarch mixture.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes until sounds hollow when tapped.
- Brush with the cornstarch mixture 2 to 3 times during the first 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfectly crusty exterior, preheat your baking stone or sheet in the oven. For a lighter texture, try substituting some of the bread flour with all-purpose flour. If you want to add flavor, consider mixing in herbs or roasted garlic. Remember to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lean French bread with a variety of dips or spreads, such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Apricot Chicken Breasts or can be used to make delicious sandwiches. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter and jam for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crustiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lean French Bread contains roughly 1263 calories, with 16g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 granulated yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of granulated yeast. Just skip the step of dissolving it in warm water and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You may notice a slight difference in rising time, so keep an eye on the dough.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can lead to a dense loaf. A little stickiness is normal and helps create a chewy texture.
Can I make this bread in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it into loaves and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature and rise again before baking 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).