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Easy French Loaves

Pretty easy and always a hit.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rising Time3 hours
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients

Definitely Needed

  • 7 grams yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 360 grams warm water (1½ cups)
  • 20 grams olive oil
  • 8 grams granulated sugar (2 teaspoons)
  • 540 grams bread flour (37g VWG / 503g AP) (4½ cups)
  • 15 grams salt (2½ teaspoons)
  • 1 pinch citric acid (optional)

May Be Needed

  • 60 grams additional bread flour (4g VWG / 56g AP) (½ cup)
  • corn meal

Instructions

  • Add the yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the warm water. If using instant (not active) yeast, continue to the next step. If using active (not instant) yeast, add a pinch of the sugar and let it sit 10-15 minutes until bubbly and foaming.
  • Add the olive oil (10g), bread flour (540g), the sugar (8g), and the salt (15g). Mix on low to combine then up to medium for 7 minutes. If the dough doesn't form a ball that clears the sides, add enough of the additional flour (60g) to make that happen.
  • Add to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap until doubled, 1-2 hours. (If your kitchen is cold, put in the oven with the light on.)
  • When doubled, deflate and divide into two pieces. Should be 480-510 grams each.
  • Pat each half into a rough oval. Fold like a letter, pressing the sides into the center, then roll into a log.
  • If using a French loaf pan, cover with parchment paper. Roll the seam-side of each log in corn meal and then place on the loaf pan.
  • If using a baking sheet, cover with parchment paper and liberally spread corn meal before putting the logs on the sheet pan.
  • Cover loaves with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Set oven racks to lowest and middle positions. On the lower one, add a pan or another sheet pan and hot water.
  • Check to see if the loaves are puffy and, if so, turn oven on to 450℉ / 230℃
  • When oven is up to temp, dust the top of the loaves with a thin coat of flour and make 3 or 4 slashes across the loaves.
  • Put the loaves in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning half-way through.
  • Internal temperature of the loaves should be ~200℉ / 94℃.

Notes

Note: If you want to include discard sourdough starter, use 200g of the discard and reduce the flour to 440 grams (30g VWG 410g AP) and water to 260 grams.