Imagine pulling a golden-brown loaf of freshly baked sourdough French bread from your oven, its crust crackling as it cools. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around for a slice of heaven. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can transform your home into a French boulangerie. This isn't just any bread; it's Bill's Sourdough French Bread, a delightful recipe that promises a soft, chewy interior with a crispy crust that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the art of sourdough baking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water, stirring until well mixed and the starter is fully dissolved.
- Gradually add the bread flour to the liquid mixture, stirring until a shaggy, rough dough begins to form. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes, allowing the flour to fully hydrate. This process is called autolyse.
- Sprinkle salt over the dough and knead either by hand or with a stand mixer for 10-12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and develops good gluten development. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 4-5 hours. During this time, perform 3-4 sets of stretch and fold techniques at 45-minute intervals to develop additional structure.
- Once the dough has doubled in size and shows significant bubbling, gently divide it into two equal portions on a lightly floured surface.
- Shape each portion into a traditional French bread shape by gently stretching and rolling the dough into elongated loaves. Place the shaped loaves on a floured proofing cloth or parchment paper.
- Cover the loaves and allow them to do a final proof for 1-2 hours until they are puffy and show signs of being ready to bake.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Just before baking, score the top of each loaf with 3-4 diagonal slashes using a sharp razor or bread lame to allow for expansion.
- Carefully transfer the loaves into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F (96-99°C).
- Remove the bread from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
Tips
- Use a Healthy Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before beginning. A well-fed starter will yield the best flavor and rise.
- Autolyse is Key: Don’t skip the autolyse step! Allowing the flour to hydrate fully before adding salt makes kneading easier and improves gluten development.
- Knead Properly: Whether by hand or mixer, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your bread.
- Warm Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cool, consider using an oven with the light on or a proofing box.
- Stretch and Fold: Incorporate the stretch and fold technique during the first rise to strengthen the dough without over-kneading.
- Perfect Shaping: When shaping your loaves, be gentle to preserve the air bubbles that have formed during fermentation. This will result in a lighter bread.
- Steam for Crust: Creating steam in the oven is essential for a crispy crust. The pan of water will help achieve that bakery-quality finish.
- Cool Before Slicing: Resist the urge to slice into your bread right away! Letting it cool for at least an hour allows the crumb to set, ensuring the best texture.With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering Bill's Sourdough French Bread. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 880kcal
Carbohydrates: 189g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
