Rustic Whole Wheat French Bread
This Rustic Whole Wheat French Bread combines the nutty flavor of whole wheat flour with the lightness of white flour, resulting in a delightful loaf that perfectly complements a variety of meals. Ideal for serving alongside hearty soups or classic spaghetti dishes, this bread has a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. With a simple preparation process that includes rising time, this recipe allows you to create two beautiful loaves that are perfect for sharing or freezing for later. Elevate your bread-making skills with this wholesome twist on a classic French loaf.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
yeast
1 tablespoon (active dry yeast)
warm water
1 1/2 cups (between 100°F to 110°F)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (kosher or sea salt)
olive oil or canola oil
3 tablespoons (for richer flavor, use olive oil)
whole wheat flour
2 cups (unbleached and finely ground)
white flour
2 cups (all-purpose flour)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm water. For better results, you can add a pinch of sugar to help activate the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2
2. Once the yeast is activated, stir in the salt and olive oil (or canola oil) until well combined.
3
3. Gradually incorporate half of the flours into the yeast mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms.
4
4. Slowly add the remaining flour while mixing well to create a cohesive dough.
5
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.
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6. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
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7. After the first rise, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Cover and let it rise again until doubled, about another 30 to 60 minutes.
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8. Once risen, punch down the dough again and divide it into one to four pieces depending on your desired loaf size.
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9. Shape each piece of dough into an oblong loaf by rolling it out gently on a floured surface, then roll it up from the long side, pinching the seam to seal the loaf.
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10. Place the formed loaves on a greased cookie sheet, spaced apart.
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11. Use a sharp knife to make 3 to 5 diagonal slashes on the tops of the loaves. This helps the bread expand while baking.
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12. Lightly brush the tops with water to create a crispy crust, then cover loosely with a kitchen towel and allow the loaves to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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13. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the loaves are rising.
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14. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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15. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Use within one day or double wrap and freeze for future enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Whole Wheat French Bread?
It is a homemade loaf that combines the nutty flavor of whole wheat flour with the lightness of white flour for a crusty exterior and soft interior.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
How long should the yeast sit to activate?
The yeast mixture should sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What is the ideal temperature for the water?
The water should be warm, specifically between 100°F and 110°F.
Can I add anything to help the yeast activate?
Yes, you can add a pinch of sugar to the warm water to help activate the yeast.
What type of oil is recommended for a richer flavor?
Using olive oil provides a richer flavor, though canola oil is also an option.
What is the ratio of flours used?
The recipe uses an equal split of 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 2 cups of white flour.
What type of whole wheat flour should I buy?
Use unbleached and finely ground whole wheat flour for the best results.
What kind of salt is used in this bread?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher or sea salt.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How can I tell if the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough is ready when it is smooth and springs back when you poke it with your finger.
Where should the dough rise?
The dough should rise in a greased bowl placed in a warm area.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes or until the dough doubles in size.
How many times does the dough rise before shaping?
The dough rises twice before it is shaped into loaves.
What does it mean to punch down the dough?
Punching down the dough involves pressing it to release air bubbles before the next rise or shaping step.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
You can divide the dough to make one to four loaves depending on your preference for size.
How do I shape the dough into a French loaf?
Roll the dough out gently and then roll it up from the long side, pinching the seam to seal it.
What should I bake the loaves on?
Place the formed loaves on a greased cookie sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Why should I slash the top of the bread?
Making slashes on the top helps the bread expand properly while it is baking in the oven.
How many slashes should be made on each loaf?
Use a sharp knife to make 3 to 5 diagonal slashes on the tops of the loaves.
How do I get a crispy crust on my bread?
Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with water before the final rise to create a crispy crust.
How long is the final rise after the loaves are shaped?
The shaped loaves should rise for about 1 hour or until they have doubled in size.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the bread bake?
The loaves bake for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom of the loaf.
Can I slice the bread immediately after baking?
It is best to allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its texture.
How long will the fresh bread last?
This bread is best when used within one day of baking.
Can I freeze Rustic Whole Wheat French Bread?
Yes, you can double wrap the bread and freeze it for later use.
What are the best foods to serve with this bread?
It pairs perfectly with hearty soups or classic spaghetti dishes.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
The recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings.