Artisan Homemade French Bread
Experience the warmth of your kitchen with this Artisan Homemade French Bread recipe. Crafted using a bread machine, this classic loaf offers a crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy interior that’s perfect for sandwiches or served freshly baked with butter. The simple ingredient list combined with the ease of an automatic bread machine makes this recipe suitable for both novice and experienced bakers. Share it with family and friends or enjoy it on your own – each slice is a testament to the comfort of homemade bread.
N/A
Servings
110
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm Water
1 1/2 cups (Use water heated to approximately 110°F (43°C).)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Use sea salt or table salt.)
Butter
2 teaspoons (Use unsalted butter, softened.)
Flour
3 1/2 cups (Use all-purpose flour.)
Active Dry Yeast
2 teaspoons (Ensure it’s fresh and active for best results.)
Cornmeal
2 tablespoons (For dusting the baking sheet.)
Egg White
1 (Separate the egg white from the yolk for the wash.)
Water
1 teaspoon (For mixing with the egg white.)
Instructions
1
Begin by adding warm water, salt, butter, flour, and active dry yeast into the bread machine, following the manufacturer's instructions. Select the dough cycle and start the machine.
2
Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 inches by 15 inches.
3
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough up, pinching the seam to ensure it is sealed tightly.
4
Fold the ends of the rolled dough underneath to create a neat loaf shape.
5
Place the prepared loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
6
Loosely cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make four diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf for ventilation and to promote even baking.
8
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9
In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and water to make an egg wash. After the initial baking time, remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with the egg wash.
10
Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and shiny.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
21g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artisan Homemade French Bread?
Artisan Homemade French Bread is a classic loaf with a crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, made using a bread machine for convenience.
What are the primary ingredients for this French bread?
The main ingredients include warm water, salt, softened unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, cornmeal, and an egg white for the wash.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be heated to approximately 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe specifically utilizes a bread machine's dough cycle to prepare the dough.
What type of flour is recommended?
This recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much yeast is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast; ensure it is fresh for the best results.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use 2 teaspoons of softened unsalted butter.
Why is cornmeal used in this recipe?
Cornmeal is used to dust the baking sheet to prevent the dough from sticking and to provide a traditional texture to the bottom crust.
How do I shape the French bread loaf?
Roll the dough into a 12x15 inch rectangle, roll it up from the long side, pinch the seams, and fold the ends underneath.
What dimensions should the dough be rolled into?
The dough should be rolled into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 inches by 15 inches.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
Why do I need to slash the top of the bread?
Diagonal slashes are made across the top for ventilation and to promote even baking during the oven spring.
How many slashes should be made on the loaf?
Use a sharp knife to make four diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the bread for 25 minutes before applying the egg wash.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden brown color and a shiny finish.
How do I make the egg wash?
Beat together one egg white and one teaspoon of water in a small bowl.
When do I apply the egg wash?
Apply the egg wash after the initial 25 minutes of baking, then return the loaf to the oven.
How much longer do I bake after the egg wash?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes after brushing with the egg wash.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 110 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the bread?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the bread?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the use of a bread machine makes this recipe very accessible for novice bakers.
What should I serve with this French bread?
It is perfect for sandwiches or served warm with fresh butter.
How should I place the dough on the baking sheet?
Place the shaped loaf seam side down on the greased and cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use either sea salt or table salt.
Do I need to cover the dough while it rises?
Yes, loosely cover the dough with plastic wrap during the 45-minute rising period.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The finished bread has a crunchy outer crust and a soft, fluffy interior.