French country bread –Hey y’all, today we’re diving into a deliciously rustic treat that’ll have your taste buds dancing— it’s French-Style Country Bread! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with some homemade goodness. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into it!
Here’s What It Looks Like:
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous loaf!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Slowly stir in the lukewarm water until everything is combined. You want a shaggy, sticky dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it sit at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours. The dough should look bubbly and have risen significantly.
- Once the dough has rested, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a ball. Avoid excessive handling; we want that airy texture!
- Let the dough rise for another hour while you preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (or any heavy pot with a lid) inside the oven to heat up.
- Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the pot. Place your shaped dough inside the pot, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack. Patience is key! Let it cool completely before slicing to enjoy.
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, dunking in soup, or just slathering on some butter. Enjoy every bite of your homemade French-Style Country Bread!