Easy French Bread with Garlic

Making delicious, crusty French bread at home might seem daunting, but with this Easy French Bread With Garlic recipe, you’ll be surprised at how simple it can be. This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, guiding you to bakery-quality results without the need for fancy equipment or years of experience. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the savory scent of garlic.

Unleashing the Flavors: Ingredients for Easy French Bread with Garlic

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand. For this easy French bread with garlic recipe, you will need:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Kneading Your Way to Perfection: Making the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This activates the yeast and ensures a good rise. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. This is where the magic of kneading begins.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Kneading dough for easy French bread with garlic

The Rise and Shine: Proofing Your Easy French Bread with Garlic

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This first rise, also known as bulk fermentation, is crucial for flavor development. Patience is key here.

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This step helps to redistribute the yeast and create a more even crumb. Now, it’s time to incorporate that delicious garlic.

Infusing with Garlic: The Flavorful Transformation

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle roughly 12×18 inches. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic. You can also sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor, although it’s entirely optional.

Starting at the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends under. Place the loaf seam-down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

French bread dough with garlic and herbs in a loaf pan

The Second Rise: Preparing for the Oven

Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled. This second rise, or proofing, allows the bread to achieve its final light and airy texture.

While the bread is proofing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking.

Baking to Golden Perfection: The Final Touch

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. The crust should be crisp and the inside soft and chewy.

Baked French bread with garlic on cooling rack

Savoring the Moment: Enjoying Your Easy French Bread with Garlic

This easy French bread with garlic is delicious on its own, or served alongside soups, salads, or your favorite pasta dishes. It’s also fantastic for making garlic bread by slicing it, buttering it, and toasting it lightly under the broiler. For those following a keto diet, we have other bread options available. Check out our best keto bread recipes.

This recipe truly simplifies the art of French bread making. With a little patience and these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade French bread in no time.

FAQs: Your Easy French Bread with Garlic Questions Answered

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can. Use the same amount of instant yeast and skip the step of blooming the yeast in warm water. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Q: What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
A: You can bake the bread freeform on a baking sheet. It will have a more rustic appearance.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Absolutely! Once cooled, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat frozen bread?
A: Thaw the bread at room temperature or toast it directly from frozen.

Q: Can I add other herbs to the bread?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Q: My bread didn’t rise properly. What might have happened?
A: Several factors can affect yeast activity. The water might have been too hot or too cold, or the yeast might be old. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 105-115°F.

Q: The crust is too hard. How can I make it softer?
A: A hard crust can be caused by overbaking or a dry oven environment. Try reducing the baking time slightly or placing a pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam. Similar to our best keto bread recipes, achieving the right crust texture can be tricky.