Failproof French Bread (Bread Machine)

Enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked French bread with this failproof recipe made in a bread machine. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a bread machine, you can have homemade French bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the bread flour, salt, yeast, and warm water in the bread machine according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Start the bread machine on the dough setting and let it complete the dough cycle.
3. Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine using floured hands. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and cut it in half.
4. Take each half of the dough and roll it into a loaf shape, approximately 12 inches long, resembling the shape of French bread.
5. Place the shaped dough loaves on a greased baking sheet and cover them with a towel.
6. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
8. Bake the loaves for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
9. Once baked, transfer the loaves to wire racks to cool.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• You can personalize your French bread by adding toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs before baking.
• To achieve a crispier crust, you can place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while preheating and baking the bread. This creates steam, which helps create a crunchy crust.

Serve the freshly baked French bread warm or at room temperature with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads.

Enjoy the pleasure of homemade French bread without the hassle. This failproof recipe will give you two delicious loaves of French bread that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on their own. With the help of a bread machine, you can easily create bakery-quality French bread in the comfort of your own home. The crusty exterior and soft interior will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Embrace the joy of baking and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade French bread.