Classic French Bread: A Foolproof Recipe for Home Bakers
For all you homemade bread enthusiasts, this classic French bread recipe is foolproof and perfect for any skill level. No special pans are required, just a love for homemade bread. And if you're new to bread-making or feeling a bit intimidated, fear not! This recipe is incredibly simple and nearly impossible to mess up. Just make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and you're on your way to baking delicious, crusty French bread.
The best dream I can recall involved me baking bread, and even now, I remember the calming feeling I had when I woke up. I hope you experience the same sense of relaxation while making this recipe. In my dream, everything was done by hand, but feel free to use your trusty stand mixer to lighten the load. To simplify the process, you can use instant or rapid-rise yeast, which can be mixed directly into the flour. If you opt for active yeast, you'll need to proof it in warm liquid with a bit of sugar first.
The best part of bread making, aside from enjoying the delicious results, is the incredible aroma that fills your home. There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking; it evokes a sense of comfort and warmth. And let's not forget the taste! This French bread recipe yields a beautifully crusty exterior with a soft, tender center. I prefer using all-purpose flour, but if you have bread flour on hand, feel free to use it. Bread flour gives the bread a slightly chewier texture, but it's still just as delightful.
What pairs perfectly with this bread is a delicious garlic butter and a hearty soup, like a savory beef stew. Yum! If you're craving a great soup, you should try my copycat recipe for Better than Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup—it's a must-try! Or, for those days when you want a light snack with your Earl Grey tea, toast a slice of this bread and top it with jam and whipped butter. It's delightful!
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