Description
This easy french bread recipe creates a golden-brown, aromatic loaf with a unique beet-dusted crust and sesame seeds, transforming simple pantry staples into a show-stopping side for any family dinner. It’s a rewarding project for home bakers, yielding hearty bread for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, provides the essential structure and classic chewy texture (often use organic bread flour for a chewier crumb)
- 1.5 cups warm water, crucial for activating the yeast (ideally 105–115 degrees F (40–46 degrees C))
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, the magic behind the rise (ensure it is fresh)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar, a small amount to kickstart the yeast
- 1.5 tsp fine sea salt, essential for deepening the flavor (adjust slightly if using kosher salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for bowl, adds richness and keeps the dough supple (use high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible)
- 1 tbsp beet powder or 2 tbsp beet juice, creates stunning color and subtle earthy note (dried beet powder is a great budget-friendly shortcut, or you can juice fresh beets)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, for a nutty crunch and visual appeal on the crust (skipping these is fine for a plain loaf)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the mixture looks foamy and smells yeasty.
- Mix Dough: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 10-15 minutes by hand until it feels smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently poked (alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until the dough clears the sides of the bowl).
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until visibly doubled in size and puffy.
- Shape Baguettes: Gently deflate the risen dough by pressing out the air. Divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a tight baguette, about 12-14 inches long.
- Second Rise: Carefully transfer the shaped baguettes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until noticeably puffy and slightly larger.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly mist the baguettes with water using a spray bottle. Generously dust them with beet powder (or brush with beet juice for a more intense color). Score the tops diagonally 3-4 times with a sharp knife or baker(apos)s lame; this allows for better oven spring. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Carefully transfer the baked Beet-Dusted Baguette With Sesame to a wire rack. Let cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing; this allows the internal structure to set properly.
Notes
If your dough isn’t rising much, your yeast might be old, or your water wasn’t warm enough. Try a small piece of dough in warm water next time to check yeast activity before starting. For an extra crisp crust, place a small pan of hot water on the bottom rack during the first 10 minutes of baking to create steam. Letting the bread cool completely allows the internal structure to set properly.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 375 mg
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy french bread, homemade bread, baguette, beet-dusted, sesame, baking, comfort food, side dish, yeast bread, artisan bread