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–+ servings
Rustic French Bread

Rustic French Bread: Bake Perfectly Crusty Loaves at Home

This Rustic French Bread recipe offers easy steps to bake perfectly crusty loaves at home, creating an irresistible aroma and texture.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rising Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: French
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Granulated white sugar works best.
  • 2 teaspoons Salt Sea salt preferred.
  • 1 packet Active-Dry Yeast Essential for leavening.
  • 1.5 cups Warm Water Temperature should be 105-115°F.

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Dutch oven
  • Parchment Paper
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, active-dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add half of the all-purpose flour and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough begins to pull away from the sides.
  3. Continue kneading the dough in the stand mixer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the kneaded dough into a floured bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it gently into a ball and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 425°F and place your Dutch oven inside to heat up.
  7. Carefully transfer the risen dough to a piece of parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score an “X” or a few slashes across the top.
  8. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Once baked, carefully remove the rustic French bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Ensure your yeast is active for the best results. For added flavor, consider cold rising the dough overnight in the fridge.

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