One thing we love around here is a bread recipe that comes together fast and requires no special skills or practice. This Fluffy French White Bread is very similar to what you can pick up at the store, and takes exactly 90 minutes inlcuding mixing, proofing, baking and a little extra time for cooling. It's so simple and fun, this is a great recipe to have children help with.
Yields 1 large loaf or two small loaves
Ingredients:
5 1/2-6 cups ( 1300 grams) of All-Purpose Flour divided
2 cups (475 mL) of very warm water (about 125 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 package (17 grams) of Rapid Rise Yeast (Or Instant Yeast, or fast-acting yeast)
4 teaspoons (20 grams) of fine salt
1 whole egg and 1 tablespoon of water (for an egg wash)
Method:
In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, water, yeast, and salt until smooth and well combined. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Gradually add in the rest of the flour until the dough comes together in a smooth, semi-tacky ball. This usually takes just 5 1/2 cups of flour for me, but depending on your environment, you may need to add a touch more.
Once the dough is smooth, turn it out on to a surface and knead by hand for about 8 minutes until it is very smooth and tacky.
Roll the dough into the desired loaf shape and transfer onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Spray some plastic wrap with cooking spray and lay it over top of the dough, and allow it to rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place. The rapid yeast works so fast, that you'll notice it'll be doubled in size before the 45 minute mark.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Farenheit. In a small bowl, mix together the egg and water and put it aside. Take off the plastic wrap and gently brush on a generous amout of egg wash all of the bread. Using a very sharp knife, score 4 1" deep lines diagonally across the dough.
Bake the bread on the sheet pan for approximately 25-35 minutes until the crust reaches a deep golden brown color. Let the bread cool completely before slicing, and enjoy!
As always, check out my Instagram page for a video tutorial.
Comments