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There's nothing quite like tearing into a warm, crusty loaf of homemade French bread. This recipe guides you through creating a bakery-quality baguette at home, complete with a fragrant garlic and herb dipping oil that's a classic in Italian-American restaurants. The combination of a chewy interior, a crisp crust, and a flavorful oil is simply irresistible.
Activate the Yeast (5-10 minutes)
Form and Knead the Dough (10-12 minutes)
First Rise (90-120 minutes)
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There's nothing quite like tearing into a warm, crusty loaf of homemade French bread. This recipe guides you through creating a bakery-quality baguette at home, complete with a fragrant garlic and herb dipping oil that's a classic in Italian-American restaurants. The combination of a chewy interior, a crisp crust, and a flavorful oil is simply irresistible.
This italian_american recipe takes 190 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 474.97 calories per serving with 8.66g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for appetizer or snack or side.
Shape the Loaf and Second Rise (45-60 minutes)
Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking (15 minutes)
Bake the Bread (25-30 minutes)
Prepare the Dipping Oil (5 minutes)
Serve
Enhance the dipping oil by adding a splash of high-quality balsamic vinegar, a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, or some finely chopped fresh parsley.
Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, into the dough during the kneading stage.
After slashing the loaves and just before baking, lightly brush them with water and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a mix of everything bagel seasoning.
The dipping oil is made with extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. It's packed with monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known to reduce inflammation and may have beneficial effects on genes linked to heart health.
Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and herbs contain powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Garlic, in particular, contains allicin, which has been studied for its immune-boosting properties.
The carbohydrates from the bread provide a quick and efficient source of energy for your body and brain, making this a satisfying and energizing appetizer or snack.
One serving, which includes about two slices of bread and a portion of the dipping oil, contains approximately 350-400 calories. The majority of calories come from the olive oil and the carbohydrates in the bread.
It can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. The extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, the bread is made from refined flour, which offers less fiber than whole grains. Enjoy it as a treat or an appetizer.
The most common reasons are expired yeast, water that was too hot (which kills the yeast) or too cold (which doesn't activate it), or a rising environment that was too cold. Always check the yeast's expiration date and ensure it gets foamy in step 1.
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. This will result in a denser, nuttier loaf. You may need to add a little extra water as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Store the bread at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 2 days to maintain its crust. Avoid plastic bags, which can make the crust soft. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.