Small Loaf French Bread 🍞✨

 

 Bake up a storm with this simple French bread recipe, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy warm and fresh right out of the oven! 😍

Ingredients:  

• - 10 ounces warm water  
• 
  
• - 1 tablespoon honey  
• 
  
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for brushing)  
• 
  
• - 6 ounces all-purpose flour or bread flour  
• 
  
• - 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for sprinkling on top)  
• 
  
• - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast  

Instructions:  

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the warm water, honey, olive oil, and kosher salt together. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and allow it to dissolve gently.  

2. Add the flour to the mixture. If you're using a stand mixer, start with the paddle attachment on medium speed until the dough starts to come together. Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a floured surface until it reaches that nice stretchy consistency.  

3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.  

4. Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it 4 to 5 times to release any excess air. Cover it with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.  

5. Shape the rested dough into a round boule, an oval, or form it into a 6x3-inch rectangle for a baguette. For a baguette, ensure to seal the ends by pressing them with your hand. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet, cover with a dish towel, and let it rise for another hour.  

6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, use a sharply edged knife to slash the top of the loaf, brush it with olive oil, and sprinkle some kosher salt on top for that perfect finishing touch.  

7. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.  

Slice and relish your freshly baked French bread!

Nutritional Information: This recipe yields one small loaf with approximately 130 calories per slice, 2 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Time: Preparation time: 2 hours (includes rising time) | Cooking time: 20 minutes.