Savor the Flavor: Effortless French Bread Magic from Cheap People's Club
Embark on a culinary journey with our Easy French Bread recipe from Cheap People's Club, where we've crafted a simple yet delightful way to bring the allure of French baking into your home. Designed with budget-conscious bakers in mind, this recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort, using wallet-friendly ingredients easily found in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water ~100°
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 1/2 - 3 cup flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Warm filtered water in microwave to 100°-105°. (A cup of water in a glass measuring cup for 45 seconds.)
- Add warm water, yeast, & sugar to bowl (mixer bowl if using a mixer). Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add 2 cups of flour, salt, & oil to the bowl. TIP: Make tablespoon measuring spoon sized dip in the flour to measure the oil. Better than washing the oil out of the measuring spoon :).
- Combine the dough:
- Mixer Method: With the dough hook, start mixing the dough to combine. The dough will start looking "shaggy" and then start pulling ingredients off the side of the bowl.
- By-Hand Method: Bring the ingredients together with fingertips. The dough will be very sticky at first. After some combining, it will start to resemble dough with layers or "shaggy".
- Knead the dough:
- Mixer Method: After the dough has come together in a ball, knead the dough for 3-5 minutes on medium-low speed. (Kitchenaid mixer level 2.) The dough should Roll around the bowl freely and get wrapped around the dough hook. If the dough sticks to the bowl, it needs a little bit more flour.
- By-Hand Method: Knead the dough with the heal of your palm. Flip the dough clockwise 45 degrees and then firmly press the heal of your palm into the dough. Rotate dough and repeat for 5 minutes.
- First Rise. After kneading the dough, drizzle a little olive oil in a bowl to cover dough. Roll dough around in bowl to cover. Cover bowl with dish towel and let sit for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, punch down dough and shape for baking. Cut slits in top of the loaf with a sharp knife about 1/4" deep and 1 inch apart. This bread works well as a single loaf on a sheet pan for classic french bread or put in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise. Let dough rise for 1 hour in loaf shape of choice.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and check internal temperature. Bread final temperature should between 200°-205°. After 20 minutes, the bread will be closer to 190°. With a silicone brush, brush the top of the loaf with the egg.
- Put loaf back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, depending how far the internal temperature was below 200°-205°. Also, remember the loaf will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven and before starting the cooling process.
- While warm bread with melty butter is desired by all, you shouldn't cut hot bread straight out of the oven. Let the bread rest for 10 - 15 minutes before cutting.
Note, you do not need a mixer with a dough hook to make recipe. It does make it easier and if you make bread frequently, even the most expensive mixer would pay for itself. People have been making bread for hundreds of thousands of years without a power mixer. The odds are your grandparents or great grandparents made it this way.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients for Quick Wins
Our Easy French Bread calls for basic kitchen staples available at affordable prices. Flour, water, yeast, salt, and a pinch of sugar are the heroes here, transforming into a crusty masterpiece that won't break the bank.
No-Fuss Mixing and Rising – Perfect for the Everyday Chef
Gone are the days of complex steps and costly equipment. Cheap People's Club simplifies the process, allowing you to effortlessly mix the ingredients and let the dough rise with ease. No need for special gadgets; just grab a bowl, a spoon, and let patience do the rest.
Stress-Free Shaping and Baking on a Budget
Shaping your French bread is a breeze with our step-by-step instructions, catering to the everyday chef on a budget. No need for fancy techniques; mold the dough into the classic baguette shape, pop it in the oven, and voilà – a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior await.
Customization on a Dime
Cheap People's Club encourages you to get creative without breaking the bank. Our Easy French Bread recipe serves as a wallet-friendly canvas for your culinary imagination. Add herbs, garlic, or a sprinkle of cheese for a personalized touch without stretching your budget.
Family-Friendly and Budget-Conscious
Gather the family for a budget-friendly baking adventure! This recipe is perfect for beginners and a fantastic way to introduce kids to the joy of homemade bread without draining your wallet. Turn it into a weekend activity, creating delicious memories together.
Bid adieu to pricey and complicated recipes and say hello to the simplicity of Cheap People's Club's Easy French Bread. Tailored for those on a budget, this recipe lets you savor the authentic taste of France without a hefty price tag. Elevate your baking game with this affordable guide and relish the satisfaction of creating a fresh, crusty baguette right in your own kitchen. Try it today and make every meal a flavorful delight with the aroma and taste of budget-friendly homemade French bread!