Making French bread at home may seem challenging, but using your stand mixer makes the process much easier! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create soft, crusty loaves that will impress your family and friends.
When I found out I could make French bread in my mixer without having to tirelessly knead the dough by hand, I was SO excited. I grew up using my mom's avocado green Kitchen Aid stand mixer for everything from brownies to biscuits, to mashed potatoes. Eventually, I got my own 5-quart mixer in white. I later passed that one on to my daughter and I am now enjoying a 7 Quart version in silver.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you will need to make this delicious French bread:
5 ½ cups organic all-purpose flour (I prefer using organic flour because I want to avoid the risk of glyphosate at all costs)
2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
2 teaspoons salt- (I love this Himalayan Pink Salt with Vitamin B-12 added)
1 tablespoon organic instant yeast (approximately 32 oz.)
2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil (I prefer cold pressed, as it contains higher levels of antioxidants).
2 ½ cups of warm water (approximately 110°F)
With these ingredients, you can expect to yield about two loaves, perfect for creating mouth-watering sandwiches, serving with your favorite soup, or just snacking on with some delicious homemade honey butter.
Prepare the Dough
Mix the yeast, sugar, and water together: In your stand mixer's bowl, combine the yeast, sugar and water. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are well combined. If you are using instant yeast as listed above, there is no need to wait for the yeast to activate. Use a whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Proper mixing lays the foundation for your bread's flavor.
Add the salt, olive oil, and flour: Set your mixer to low speed and using the dough hook attachment, gradually add in the salt, oil and flour. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together. It should start to form a ball in the center of your mixer.
Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for approximately 2-3 more minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic and should not stick to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the right consistency. An ideal dough should spring back when poked.
Let It Rise
First Rise: Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, typically about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it develops the complex flavors of the bread.
Punch It Down: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the excess air. This technique helps in strengthening the gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture. Next, proceed to shaping the loaves.
Shape the Loaves
Divide the Dough: Carefully turn the dough onto a floured surface. Cut it into two equal portions to create two loaves.
Shape and Score the Loaves: Take one dough portion and stretch it into a rectangle about 10 x 12 inches long. Roll it tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seams to seal. Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this for the second portion. This method forms the bread’s structure and adds to its visual appeal. I like to add a few cuts along the loaves. Using a very sharp knife, make several cuts at an angle approximately 1-2 inches apart. I do this part before the dough rises in order to avoid the risk of flattening the dough by making the cuts later.
Second Rise and Preheat the Oven
Final Rise: Cover the loaves with a towel once more and allow them to rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until they double in size. This additional rise creates a lighter loaf.
Preheat the Oven: As the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 385°F (196°C). A well-heated oven is vital for achieving that perfect crust.
Bake the Bread
Bake: Transfer the loaves to the preheated oven. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are a rich golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!
Cool: After removing the loaves from the oven, place them on a wire rack to cool.
Celebrate Your Creation
This easy recipe yields delicious results that can impress everyone. Enjoy your fresh bread with butter, create tasty sandwiches, or simply relish it on its own.
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding herbs, cheese, or roasted garlic into the dough. By trying out different ingredients, you can customize your loaves and make every batch unique. Happy baking!
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