Artisan New Orleans French Bread
Experience the authentic taste of New Orleans with this delightful French bread recipe. This crusty yet soft loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. With a straightforward preparation method that yields three generous loaves, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a beautifully textured bread with a golden crust. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this Artisan New Orleans French Bread will elevate any meal. Make a batch to share with family and friends, and savor the taste of New Orleans in every bite!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active Dry Yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Warm Water
2 cups (heated to about 110°F)
Flour
5 - 5 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Cornmeal
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the active dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2
Gradually stir in the flour, mixing well until the dough starts to come together and becomes too difficult to mix with a spoon.
3
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, and brush the top lightly with melted butter to keep it moist.
5
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, prepare your baking sheet by greasing it and sprinkling it with cornmeal, shaking off any excess.
7
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and divide it into three equal portions.
8
Roll each portion into an 8 x 13 inch rectangle. Starting from the long side, roll each rectangle up tightly, seal the ends, and shape into loaves.
9
Place the shaped loaves onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make several diagonal slashes across the tops for a classic look.
10
Lightly brush the tops with melted butter. Allow the loaves to rise again in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
11
Once ready, place the loaves in the middle rack of the oven, and set a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create steam.
12
Bake the loaves at 450 degrees for 5 minutes to create a crispy crust. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
13
After baking, let the loaves cool on a wire rack before slicing to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
100g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artisan New Orleans French Bread?
It is an authentic, crusty yet soft French bread recipe that yields three loaves, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make three generous loaves of French bread.
What are the primary ingredients for this bread?
The main ingredients include active dry yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, all-purpose flour, butter, and cornmeal.
How much yeast is required for the recipe?
You need 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, which is equivalent to one package.
What temperature should the water be for blooming the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically heated to approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the yeast sit to become frothy?
The yeast should sit in the warm water with salt and sugar for about 5 to 10 minutes.
How much flour is used in this Artisan New Orleans French Bread?
The recipe calls for 5 to 5 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the dough?
Sugar helps activate the yeast and contributes to the flavor and browning of the crust.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How should I prepare the dough for its first rise?
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and brush the top with melted butter to keep it moist.
How long is the first rising period?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
What should I use to cover the dough while it rises?
It is recommended to cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
How is the baking sheet prepared?
Grease the baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal, then shake off any excess.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
What do I do after the dough has doubled in size?
Gently punch down the dough to release the air and turn it out onto a floured board.
Into how many portions should the dough be divided?
The dough should be divided into three equal portions.
What dimensions should the dough portions be rolled into?
Roll each portion into an 8 x 13 inch rectangle.
How do I shape the loaves correctly?
Starting from the long side, roll each rectangle up tightly and seal the ends.
Why should I slash the tops of the loaves?
Diagonal slashes give the bread a classic look and help control the expansion of the loaf in the oven.
How long is the second rise for the shaped loaves?
The loaves should rise a second time in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
How do I create steam in the oven while baking?
Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while the bread bakes on the middle rack.
What is the temperature schedule for baking this bread?
Bake at 450 degrees for the first 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees for 30 more minutes.
Why is the oven temperature reduced during baking?
Starting at a high temperature creates a crispy crust, while the lower temperature ensures the inside is cooked through without burning the outside.
How should the bread be cooled?
The loaves should cool on a wire rack before they are sliced.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this bread?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in this New Orleans French bread?
There are 13 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the bread?
A serving contains 100 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this specific French bread recipe.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, its soft interior and crusty exterior make it perfect for authentic New Orleans style sandwiches.