Bread Machine French Bread Dough

Create bakery-worthy French bread effortlessly with this "Bread Machine French Bread Dough" recipe! Designed for convenience and perfection, this recipe utilizes simple pantry staples like bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast to deliver beautifully airy and crusty loaves with minimal prep time. The bread machine handles the mixing, kneading, and first rise, leaving you with perfectly proofed dough ready to shape into baguettes or rustic rounds. With just a quick rest and a golden bake in the oven, you'll have homemade French bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or serving alongside pasta. Whether you're a bread-baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to bakery-quality results right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:185 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Water
• 4 cups Bread flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoons Sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast

Directions

Step 1

Add the water to the bread machine pan. Ensure the water is slightly warm (around 110°F or 45°C) to activate the yeast properly.

Step 2

Add the bread flour on top of the water, spreading it evenly across the surface. This creates a barrier to keep the yeast and water separated initially.

Step 3

Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the flour to distribute evenly.

Step 4

Make a small indentation in the center of the flour (but do not let it reach the liquid) and add the active dry yeast into this well.

Step 5

Place the bread machine pan into the machine and secure it properly. Select the 'Dough' setting on your bread machine. Press 'Start' or the equivalent button to begin the cycle.

Step 6

Allow the bread machine to knead the dough and let it rise. This cycle usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your machine.

Step 7

Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine pan. Lightly flour a surface and your hands, and gently shape the dough into your desired form (e.g., baguettes or round loaves).

Step 8

Let the shaped dough rest on a floured surface or parchment-lined baking sheet, covering it with a clean kitchen towel, for 30-40 minutes until it doubles in size.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, slash the tops of the risen dough with a sharp knife for decoration and even baking.

Step 10

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and make a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	883.3 grams (883.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1858

Total Fat 7.80g	10%
Saturated Fat 1.50g	8%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4745mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate 386.90g	141%
Dietary Fiber 14.90g	53%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 62.70g	125%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 99mg	8%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 643mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.8%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 82.8%