French Country Bread
Experience the timeless art of bread making with this authentic French Country Bread recipe, a rustic loaf that combines the nutty richness of whole wheat flour with the lightness of all-purpose flour for a perfectly balanced flavor. This artisan-style bread is slightly sweetened with a touch of honey, lending subtle depth to its robust taste. With its crisp, golden crust and tender, airy crumb, it’s the epitome of homemade comfort. The simple yet elegant process involves a few classic techniques, from hand-kneading to creating beautiful surface slashes that allow the bread to bloom in the oven. Ideal for pairing with soups, cheeses, or simply slathering with butter, this hearty loaf is a versatile addition to any meal. Perfectly suited for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe is the answer to your search for “homemade artisan bread” or “traditional French bread recipe.”
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Ingredients
- 500 grams All-purpose flour
- 100 grams Whole wheat flour
- 400 milliliters Water
- 7 grams Active dry yeast
- 10 grams Salt
- 15 milliliters Honey
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
Step 2
In a separate small bowl, mix 100 milliliters of the water with the honey and the active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 3
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Gradually add the remaining 300 milliliters of water while mixing with your hands or a dough hook on a stand mixer.
Step 4
Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer on medium speed for about 8 minutes.
Step 5
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or cling film and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
Step 6
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 7
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
Step 8
Once the dough has risen, lightly dust the top with flour and make a few slashes on the surface with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow the bread to expand while baking.
Step 9
Transfer the dough with the parchment paper onto the hot baking stone or sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf has a deep golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1037.9 grams (1037.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2226 |
| Total Fat 7.00g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat 1.10g | 6% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3963mg | 172% |
| Total Carbohydrate 469.20g | 171% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.20g | 97% |
| Total Sugars 14.00g | |
| Protein 67.70g | 135% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 129mg | 10% |
| Iron 27mg | 152% |
| Potassium 1090mg | 23% |
Source of Calories