Lettie'S French Bread
Lettie'S French Bread offers a classic, crusty loaf with a tender interior, perfect for sandwiches or simple buttered slices. Its rich flavor and chewy texture make it a favorite for bread lovers and home bakers seeking that authentic French bakery experience in their own kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large pan.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Let rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place, covered.
- Punch down the dough and work it down every 15 minutes, six times.
- Divide dough into 3 portions and shape into loaves.
- Place in greased pans or on a greased cookie sheet.
- Cover and let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the dough. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter or olive oil can be used as substitutes. Ensure your water is warm but not too hot, as this could kill the yeast. Kneading the dough for a full 10 minutes will enhance its texture.
Serving Suggestions
Lettie's French Bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Spiced Beets for a colorful, flavorful meal. Consider slicing it for garlic bread or toasting it for breakfast with butter and jam. It also makes delightful croutons for salads or soups.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lettie'S French Bread contains roughly 674 calories, with 16g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (258% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2553mg per serving (111% 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, you may need to adjust the water slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. Additionally, ensure that the warm water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If the dough is still unresponsive, try placing it in a warmer area or using a slightly warmer water temperature.
How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns golden brown on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F. If you prefer a softer crust, you can cover the bread with a clean towel immediately after removing it from the oven.
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).