If you’re craving a warm, crusty loaf, the Sourdough French Bread recipe is just the thing for you. With a delightful blend of ingredients and a straightforward approach, you’ll find that baking your own bread is not only satisfying but also incredibly rewarding.
When it comes to making Sourdough French Bread, feel free to experiment with different types of flour for unique flavors, or swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. If you need to avoid dairy, almond or soy milk can serve as a fine alternative to regular milk. Just be mindful of the temperature of your water when activating the yeast, as too hot or too cold can affect the rise.
Sourdough
Sourdough French Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup water (110 to 115 F)
- 4 1/2 cups unbleached flour, unsifted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sourdough starter
Instructions
- Dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of water warmed to 110 to 115 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, add 4 1/2 cups of unbleached flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup of sourdough starter to the dissolved yeast.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, and then knead it lightly before returning it to the bowl to rise until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured board and divide it into two equal parts.
- Shape each part into an oblong loaf, then roll them up tightly starting from one side, sealing the edge by pinching it together.
- Place the shaped loaves on a greased baking sheet, allowing them to rise until they double in size again.
- Make diagonal cuts on the top of the loaves using a razor blade or a very sharp knife, and brush the tops lightly with water for a crispier crust.
- Bake the loaves in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Part of our Sourdough Bread Recipes collection — Part 2 of 2:
→ Browse Part 2 of 2: Sourdough Bread Recipes
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