Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked French bread wafting through your home, the kind that makes your mouth water and your heart skip a beat. With our Overnight French Bread recipe, you can turn that dream into reality! This simple yet satisfying recipe from Bob's Red Mill allows you to prepare two perfect loaves of crusty, golden bread with minimal effort. The secret lies in the overnight rise that develops incredible flavor and texture, making it the ideal addition to your breakfast table or a delightful gift for friends and family. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let's dive into the art of baking this delicious French bread!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 12 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture comes together into a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 12 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is best done overnight.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces.
- Shape each piece of dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, folding the sides in, and rolling it up tightly from the bottom. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped loaves seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 1-2 hours, or until they have puffed up significantly.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) about 30 minutes before baking. If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet.
- Just before baking, use a sharp knife or a bread lame to make a few slashes on the top of each loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking.
- For a crusty exterior, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam. This helps develop a crispy crust.
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade French bread!
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your bread largely depends on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for high-protein bread flour for the best results, and make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Perfect Water Temperature: When activating your yeast, ensure the water is warm but not hot—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it properly.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but avoid over-flouring as it can lead to dense bread.
- Overnight Rise: Allowing the dough to rise overnight not only develops flavor but also makes the dough easier to handle. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
- Steam for Crust: For a crispy crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking. The steam created will help develop that beautiful, crusty exterior we all love.
- Cooling Time: After baking, resist the urge to slice the bread immediately! Letting it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes allows the interior to set properly, resulting in a better texture.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment! Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a delicious twist on this classic French bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
