French bread … but WITH OUT all the additives 😉
Have you ever stoped either in the grocery store or once you are home and read the ingredient list ??? EWWWW was my first thought to ! Here’s a fun and simple recipe for one of my favorites ! You can say you know EXACTLY what you are eating . I recommend using a stand mixer with a dough hook but of course you can do this by hand as well !
French bread !
- [ ] Ingredients
- [ ] 2 ¼ cups warm water
- [ ] 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- [ ] 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or one packet
- [ ] 2 ¼ teaspoons salt (I prefer to use mineral it has a richer flavor and is better for you !)
- [ ] 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- [ ] 4-5 1/2 cups of bread flour ( we are going for a good “feel” here so ideally for the best rise you want your bread to be tacky but not be so sticky it leaves a residue on your fingers
- [ ] Recipe
- [ ] Mix together water , sugar , and yeast . Mix lightly in stand mixer or by hand until contents are combined (mix on low ) let sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated . you’ll know this is done when it’s frothy or bubbly
- [ ] Once yeast is activated Add salt and oil - mix together
- [ ] Add three to four cups or flour . I typically start with three let contents combine then slowly add half a cup until dough is a tacky consistency . You should be able to handle dough with out it sticking and leaving a residue on your fingers .
- [ ] Next remove dough hook place clean kitchen rag over the top of dough and place in an OFF oven to allow to rise . Wait an hour or until dough has doubled in size .
- [ ] Remove dough from over once it’s doubled in size turn oven to 400 degrees F
- [ ] Deflate dough ! You can either do one large loaf or two smaller loafs . Flatten dough using fingers and palm , next form a triangle by gently tugging dough until shape is achieved . Then take corners and fold over 1/3 , press down crease with palm , fold other 1/3 over and repeat . You should have a skinny triangle that resembles a French loaf . Score bread (meaning make tiney cuts on the top to allow the loaf to breathe . This should be down with a very sharp nice or scorer .
- [ ] Allow bread to rise a second time , this can take anywhere from 30minutes to an hour .
- [ ] Once oven reach 400 degrees bump heat back down to 375 and cook loaf for 20-25 minutes .
- [ ] Loaf should be a beautiful drown with a gorgeous rise
- [ ] Wait until fully cooled , cut and enjoy !
You know, when I first started baking my own bread, it wasn't just about saving money or having a fun kitchen project. It was a real eye-opener to what's actually in store-bought bread! I mean, 'additives in bread in French' or any language for that matter, can sound so mysterious. But once you start looking at those ingredient lists, you realize how many stabilizers, preservatives, and dough conditioners are often hidden in there. For me, embracing clean eating meant getting rid of those unknowns, and baking my own homemade French bread recipe with yeast was a huge step in that direction. It’s incredibly satisfying to know every single ingredient that goes into your family’s food. One thing I've learned about yeast baking, especially with a homemade bread recipe with yeast, is how crucial yeast activation is. My recipe calls for letting the yeast, water, and sugar sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Don't skip this step! It’s like the yeast is waking up and showing you it's ready to work its magic. If it doesn't get bubbly, your water might not be warm enough (or too hot!), or your yeast could be old. A little trick: aim for water temperature around 105-115°F (40-46°C). It makes all the difference for a beautiful rise. I always tell my friends, the yeast is your friend, but it needs a nice warm bed to get going! Another tip for getting that perfect 'feel' for your dough, as mentioned in the recipe, is to trust your instincts. The recipe says 4-5 1/2 cups of bread flour, and that range is there for a reason. Humidity, flour brand, and even the temperature in your kitchen can affect how much flour you need. Start with less and add slowly until the dough is tacky but not overly sticky. You'll know it's right when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl (if using a stand mixer) and feels smooth, yet still slightly pliable. Over-flouring can lead to dense bread, and nobody wants that after all your hard work! And for those of you aiming for those clean girl recipes, this French bread is truly a staple. It pairs wonderfully with so many things. I love serving it with a simple olive oil dip, alongside a fresh salad, or even using it for incredible sandwiches the next day. The best part? The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure heaven. Plus, seeing that golden brown crust and gorgeous rise you created yourself? Unbeatable. Give this homemade bread recipe with yeast a try – you won't regret knowing exactly what you're putting on your plate!