Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked French bread wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Now, picture that bread, perfectly paired with a luscious green onion butter that elevates each slice to new heights of flavor. This "French Bread with Green Onion Butter" recipe is not just a dish; it's an experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, you'll be savoring this delightful treat in no time. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually add 1 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 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 it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the green onion butter. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened at room temperature) with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Mix well until the green onions are evenly distributed throughout the butter. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either shape it into a traditional loaf shape or a round boule, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a greased loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- After the second rise, use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf. This will allow the bread to expand while baking.
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it warm with the prepared green onion butter.
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. Aim for a temperature between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C).
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough for the full 8-10 minutes. This develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a cozy environment by turning your oven on for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Customize Your Green Onion Butter: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the butter, such as garlic powder or fresh parsley, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when fully cooked. This is a classic technique to ensure your bread is perfectly baked.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread warm with the green onion butter spread generously on top. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delightful snack on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
