Deliciously Tangy: Homemade Sourdough French Bread Recipe
Are you tired of the same bland bread from your local supermarket? Look no further than this sourdough French bread recipe. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
There’s something truly special about homemade bread, and this sourdough French bread is no exception. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in by yourself. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also chock full of health benefits due to its natural fermentation process.
But don’t be intimidated by the word “sourdough”. This recipe is easy to follow, even for novice bakers. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have fresh, warm bread in no time. And let’s not forget the satisfaction that comes with baking your own bread from scratch.
So why settle for mediocre store-bought bread when you can make your own delicious and nutritious sourdough French bread at home? Give this recipe a try and I promise you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, bread enthusiasts! If you’re looking for an easy-to-make recipe that produces a classic loaf of sourdough French bread, then let me convince you why this recipe is the one for you.
First things first, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients. You’ll need bread flour, salt, water, and most importantly, a sourdough starter. Don’t have one? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This recipe includes instructions for making an Amish bread starter which can be used not only for this recipe but for other baking recipes as well.
Now let’s talk about the taste. This bread has a crispy crust with a soft and chewy inside that’s perfect for slicing into sandwiches or pairing with your favorite soup. The tangy flavor of sourdough is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of salt which will keep you coming back for more.
But what sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to put your own spin on it. Add herbs, cheese or olives to the dough to create new and exciting versions of this classic French bread.
Are you worried about time constraints? Fear not! This recipe can also be made in a bread machine, providing hands-free baking while still producing consistently delicious loaves.
So what are you waiting for? This sourdough French bread recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. With its simple ingredients and mouth-watering taste, it’s no wonder why it’s a go-to choice for any occasion. Give it a try and join the ranks of sourdough aficionados who have come to love this timeless classic.
Ingredient List
Before starting with this Sourdough French Bread- ABM (Amish Bread Starter) Recipe, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Warm Water: 1 cup (room temperature). You can use hot tap water if you prefer.
- Bread Flour: 2 cups
- Sourdough Starter: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Note: If you don’t have a sourdough starter, don’t panic. You can make your own by following a starter recipe, easily found online.
Feel free to experiment with the amounts to find the perfect balance for you. Once you’ve assembled these all-star ingredients, it’s time to get started on baking your very own delicious, fresh-out-of-the-oven Sourdough French Bread.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Activating the Sourdough Starter
To start with, activate your sourdough starter. Mix it with some warm water and bread flour. The key is to provide the yeast with the optimal temperature which is around 82°F (28°C). You’ll need to let that sit out covered for a day, maybe two if you’re in a chilly climate.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, active dry yeast, salt, and sourdough starter. Then add hot tap water and mix until you form a thick dough. If the mixture is too dry, add some water sparingly.
Step 3: Kneading
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and start kneading it until it becomes smooth and non-sticky. Punching and stretching the dough can help facilitate gluten development. You can use a mixer to do this step as well, but there’s something about kneading by hand that makes bread taste better.
Step 4: Rising Time
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Allow your dough to rise at room temperature, preferably in a warm area, for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shaping Your Bread
Take out your dough from the bowl and shape it into three long pieces of baguette-size bread loaf. Place them onto a greased baking sheet or baking stone. Using sharp scissors or knife make several shallow diagonal cuts on top of each loaf.
Step 6: Final Rise
Allow your shaped bread loaves to rise again for another hour before baking at room temperature around 75°F (24°C).
Step 7: Baking Your Sourdough French Bread Abm
Preheat your oven at 450°F (232°C) for approximately ten minutes. To create steam inside the oven, pour hot water in an empty pan beneath the rack where you will bake the bread. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust gets browned and crispy.
Serve your homemade warm sourdough french bread with butter on top or slice it up for french toast or just enjoy its delicious goodness all by itself!
Substitutions and Variations
As any seasoned baker will tell you, experimentation is key to creating your own unique twists on classic recipes. While this sourdough French bread recipe is already delicious as-is, there are a number of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
One substitution you could make is using whole wheat flour instead of bread flour. This will give the bread a denser texture and nuttier flavor, which some people prefer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some herbs or spices to the dough. Rosemary or thyme would be excellent additions, as would garlic or onion powder.
For a sweeter twist on this classic bread, try adding raisins or other dried fruit to the dough. You could also experiment with adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
If you’re looking to switch things up entirely, consider using this bread dough recipe to make other baked goods like sourdough biscuits or even using it in your bread maker for sandwich loaves.
Remember, baking is all about trial and error, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this delicious sourdough French bread recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now, it’s time to talk about the best part of any recipe- serving and pairing! This Sourdough French Bread is an absolute star at the dinner table. It’s rustic, crusty exterior and soft interior make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
When it comes to pairing, this bread goes well with almost anything. Whether you’re serving soup or salad, cheese or charcuterie, this bread will elevate your meal to a whole new level. It’s particularly good when paired with rich and hearty stews or even something as simple as a pat of butter and homemade jam.
One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy this bread is by turning it into french toast. The sourdough flavor adds depth to this classic breakfast dish and takes it to another level.
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your lunchtime sandwich, look no further than this bread. The crusty exterior provides the perfect amount of crunch while the soft interior won’t squash your fillings.
Whatever way you choose to enjoy this bread, be prepared for it to steal the show at your next meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hey there, you want to make the most out of your Sourdough French Bread? There’s no better way than to make-ahead, store and reheat it for later consumption. From sandwiches to soups, this bread is versatile and can last for days with the right storage techniques.
To make-ahead your sourdough french bread, you want to ensure it’s completely cooled before storing it in an airtight bag or container. Pre-sliced loaves can be quickly reheated using a toaster or oven. Just pop the slices in and heat for 2-3 minutes until crusty and warm.
If you have extra bread that’s not getting consumed immediately, don’t throw them away as stale bread is perfect for making croutons or breadcrumbs. Simply cut into cubes and toast in the oven until crunchy.
However, if you’re planning on storing your sourdough french bread beyond a day or two, freezing it is an excellent option. Make sure you slice it first and place pieces into freezer bags. You can store them up to a month in the freezer. To thaw the bread, drop in the microwave, toaster or oven until they are the desired warmth.
One thing to consider when reheating frozen bread is that they may not retain their crunch as much as freshly baked bread. Therefore, it’s best to use pre-sliced loaves when directing from frozen.
With these tips at your disposal, your sourdough french bread will always taste freshly made even after days of storage.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe and are ready to start baking, let’s talk about some tips to ensure that you get perfect results every time with this Sourdough French Bread – Abm (Amish Bread Starter) Recipe.
First off, when measuring your ingredients, make sure to use a digital kitchen scale. This will give you more precise measurements than using measuring cups, which can vary in accuracy. You want the right balance of flour, water, and sourdough starter to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Another key tip is to use warm water when mixing your dough. The temperature should be around 90°F or 32°C, which is just slightly warmer than room temperature. Warm water helps activate the yeast and ensures a quick rise, giving your bread a light and airy texture.
Next, let’s talk about the dough itself. When making bread, you want to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. It should pass the “windowpane test,” where you can stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see through without it tearing. This ensures that the gluten has developed fully and will give your bread its structure.
When using an automatic bread maker (ABM), be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and setting the cycle. You may need to adjust the settings depending on your machine’s capacity and power.
When shaping your loaves, be gentle with the dough so that you don’t deflate it. Use floured hands or a floured surface to shape it into a ball or oblong shape. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before putting it in the oven to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Lastly, when baking your bread, spray some water inside your oven during the first few minutes of baking. This creates steam which gives your bread a crisp crust and helps it rise more quickly in the initial stages of baking.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking perfect Sourdough French Bread every time!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the frequently asked questions. I know that baking bread can be a little intimidating, but there’s no need to fret – I’m here to dispel any doubts! So, whether you’re looking for tips on ingredient substitutions, or wondering about storage recommendations, take a deep breath and read on.
How much of my starter should I use for a sourdough loaf?
Before beginning to bake bread, it is crucial to ensure that your sourdough starter is robust. This is especially important for any sourdough recipe, including the basic one I use that calls for only 10% starter, or 50g for 500g of flour. Therefore, take the time to create an active and thriving sourdough starter that will help your bread rise and develop the desired flavor.
What is the ratio of sourdough starter to flour for bread?
Every baker has a unique sourdough starter that requires regular feeding in order to keep it alive and active. The feeding process is usually based on a ratio, with the most common being 1:1:1. This means that for every unit of sourdough starter, an equal amount of flour and water is added. For instance, if you have 40 g of sourdough starter, you will add 40 g of flour and 40 g of water to feed it.
What happens if you put Amish Friendship Bread starter in the fridge?
When you keep your starter in the refrigerator, it undergoes fermentation at a slower rate, but it stays alive. Nonetheless, you must continue to feed it regularly, albeit not as frequently as when it’s kept at room temperature. Freezing your starter halts the fermentation process entirely.
What is French sourdough starter?
This recipe utilizes natural and pure ingredients to create a delicious sourdough bread. The key components include 100% organic wheat flour, spring water, and active cultures. The sourdough starter used in this recipe is a mesophilic ferment cultured at room temperature, commonly found in French Parisian sourdough.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, folks! A delicious recipe for sourdough French bread that makes use of the Amish bread starter. I hope that this recipe has convinced you to try out sourdough breads at home, and that you’ve learned something new along the way.
Sourdough is a unique bread that requires patience and skill to master, but there’s no denying the rewards that come with it. With this recipe, you’ll be able to impress your guests with a loaf of French bread that’s chewy and crusty in all the right ways.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, grab your flour and yeast, and get your hands dirty! There’s no better time to start experimenting with baking than now. Who knows – you might even discover a new passion for bread making!
Thank you for reading my recipe article. Remember, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Happy baking!
Sourdough French Bread - Abm (Amish Bread Starter) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot tap water
- 1 cup amish starter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (feel free to put the entire little packet in)
Instructions
- Place in bread maker in the order suggested by your ABM manufacturer (mine is a “Corner Bakery” and it is supposed to go in as written above.
- Cook on French Bread Setting on Light crust for best results.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.