French Country Bread

why make this recipe

French Country Bread is a delightful way to bring the taste of traditional French baking into your home. This bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for enjoying with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. Making this bread is straightforward and rewarding, offering an excellent opportunity to practice your baking skills while filling your home with a wonderful aroma.

how to make French Country Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (120 g)
• 1/2 cup rye flour (60 g)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (9 g)
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast (5 g)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (300 ml)
• 1 tsp honey (5 ml)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rye flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Stir in the warm water and honey until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once risen, shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a floured piece of parchment paper.
6. Let the shaped loaf rest for 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during this time.
7. Before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to help it expand.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes with steam until the bread is golden brown.
9. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

how to serve French Country Bread

French Country Bread can be served in numerous ways. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. It’s also fantastic with soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches. For a simple treat, slice it and toast it, then add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese.

how to store French Country Bread

To store your French Country Bread, allow it to cool completely. Keep it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to slice it before freezing for easy use later.

tips to make French Country Bread

1. Measure Flour Properly: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to ensure the right dough consistency.
2. Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is warm but not hot. About 110°F (43°C) works best for activating yeast.
3. Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough enough time to rise properly. The longer rise improves flavor and texture.

variation

You can easily customize this bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist. Mixing in seeds or nuts such as sunflower seeds or walnuts can also add flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to dissolve it in the warm water before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is it necessary to let the bread cool before slicing?
Yes, letting the bread cool allows the texture to set properly and makes slicing easier.

What if I don’t have rye flour?
You can substitute rye flour with more whole wheat or all-purpose flour, but it will slightly change the bread’s flavor and texture.