Rustic French Bread 🥖❤️

This Rustic French Bread recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Its crusty exterior and soft, airy interior make it perfect for enjoying with butter, dipping in olive oil, or using for sandwiches. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress!

Prepare to enjoy a loaf of warm, homemade goodness that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Pair it with a hearty soup or serve it alongside a cheese platter for a delightful experience! 🧀🍲

Ingredients

For the dough

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ¾ cups of warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for greasing)

For the topping

• 1 tablespoon of flour (for dusting)
• A sprinkle of coarse sea salt
• Optional: Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for added flavor

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

🧪 Yeast needs sugar to activate, and this frothing indicates that it’s alive and ready to work its magic!

• Stir in the salt and gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.

• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

💪 A good knead is key to developing gluten, which will give your bread its structure and chewiness.

• Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil (optional) and place the dough inside, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

☀️ If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in an oven that's turned off but slightly warmed, or simply near a sunny window.

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a round or oblong loaf, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Cover the shaped dough with the damp cloth again and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on the top of the loaf (this allows for the bread to expand while baking).

• Optionally, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt and fresh herbs over the top for added flavor and decoration.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

🔔 If you want an extra crispy crust, place a small baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking. The steam will create a beautiful crust!

• Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Variations

• Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a hearty texture and flavor. Adjust the water slightly as needed. 🌾
• Add-ins: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or cheese for a flavorful twist! Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the dough structure.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like basil or oregano into the dough for a fragrant surprise.
• Garlic Bread: Fold roasted garlic into the dough during kneading for a savory upgrade that complements any meal.

This Rustic French Bread will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! 🌟🥖