French Bread, otherwise known as a Baguette, is one of the tastiest loaves of bread that you can bake at home.
A crisp outer crust gives way to a deliciously fluffy interior.
Whether enjoyed alone with a little butter or used to make bread roll sandwiches, this is something that you need to incorporate into your baking routine.
Not many home bakers attempt French Bread because the equipment used is slightly different from other loaves.
But with a simple French Bread baking pan, you could make delicious Baguettes at home using similar steps as other bread recipes.
What Makes French Bread Unique?
French Bread is unique because of its presentation and cooking method.
Most bread is cooked either on a flat tray or in a closed bread pan.
This leaves some of the bread protected from the air, so the bottom and side crusts are never as crunchy or as brown as the top.
French Bread is cooked with air flowing all around it.
This is what gives it the characteristic crunch.
In terms of ingredients and preparation, French Bread is like other white loaves.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, it won’t be difficult to make French Bread at home.
Ingredients
You’ll need some simple ingredients to make Baguettes in a French Bread baking pan.
- 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
- 2 teaspoons of salt.
- 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- 5 cups of white bread flour.
- 1 teaspoon of cornmeal.
- 2 cups of warm (not boiling) water (110°F).
The Process
- Start by dissolving your yeast in warm water. Add the salt and sugar, followed by the flour. Mix all the ingredients until they are smooth. The dough should be soft and pliable. You can add more flour if needed.
- Next comes the kneading. Like pizza dough and other bread doughs, you want the consistency to be elastic. Five to eight minutes should be plenty for the kneading, but this depends on your specific technique.
- Now you need to let the ingredients proof. Grease a bowl and place the dough ball inside. Rotate it until it is covered on all sides. This will prevent sticking. Cover the top of the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm room for around an hour, or until it has doubled in volume.
- After the proofing, roll the bread into a thick roll and cut it in half. You can use your French Bread baking pan as a guide for length and thickness. The bread will expand during cooking so leave some space for this.
- Score the dough with a sharp knife along the center longways. This will create the traditional shape at the top of the bread. Leave the dough uncovered for 30 minutes, it may rise a little more during this time.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. French Bread cooks at a relatively high temperature to ensure a brown and crunchy crust. Place the French Bread baking dish in the center of your oven and cook for up to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
The Best French Bread Baking Pan
For the crunch, texture, and color, you need a French Bread Baking Pan that allows for free airflow.
This perforated Chicago metallic Non-Stick French Bread Pan is perfect for Baguettes and other long loaves.
It allows for even heat conduction and consistent baking.
With this simple accessory, you can make French Bread any time that you have a craving for a deliciously crunchy Baguette.
You don’t have to fear specialty bread like French Bread.
In-home baking, the difference comes down to the ingredients and the bakeware.
The best French Bread pan will make it easy.
