French Bread, Sponge Method Dough

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 0

French Bread, Sponge Method Dough - A Classic French Bread Recipe

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

13-14 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	1 teaspoon yeast or 1/4-1/2 cup sourdough starter
	1 cup water
	1 cup flour
	1 teaspoon salt ( do n't add yet , but be sure not to forget it ! )
	flour , enough to make a workable dough

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

145

Sugar

Fat

0.2g

The French are famous for their bread, and French bread, or baguette, is a staple of French cuisine. The bread is known for its crispy crust and chewy interior, and is enjoyed on its own, as well as a base for many sandwiches. French bread is typically made using the sponge method, where a small amount of yeast or sourdough starter is mixed with flour and water and left to ferment for an extended period of time. This allows the bread to develop a deeper flavor and aroma. This recipe for French bread is easy to follow and yields two loaves of classic French bread that will transport you to the streets of Paris with every bite.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, stir together yeast and water until yeast dissolves.
2.	Add in flour and mix until well combined, then cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
3.	Once the sponge has fermented, add in salt and enough flour to make a workable dough. Knead the dough until it's soft and elastic.
4.	Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5.	Punch down the dough, cut it in half, and shape it into two long loaves.
6.	Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the loaves rest for 10-15 minutes before placing them in the oven.
7.	Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

PROS

This French bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior that is perfect for sandwiches or to accompany soups and stews.

The sponge method allows the dough to ferment longer, giving the bread a richer, deeper flavor.

This recipe does not require a bread machine or any special equipment.

CONS

Making French bread from scratch can be time-consuming and requires patience.
The sponge must ferment overnight, and the dough needs to rise twice before baking.

This recipe requires some degree of skill and practice, as shaping the loaves can be tricky.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

French bread is not particularly healthy, but it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It is low in fat and sugar, but high in carbohydrates and gluten, which can be problematic for those with gluten sensitivities.