Failproof French Bread (Bread Machine)

This bread is the BEST! The flavor is perfectly balanced, just the right amount of salt, and the crust especially is amazing- slightly crisp, but not in the least bit heavy... I made the bread as instructed. Some people might find it helpful to know that 1/4 ounce package is equal to 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast (I buy my bread machine yeast in bulk). Thanks so much for a great recipe ; )

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No lie, wonderful flavor and easy to make! We loved it. Funny, my bread-machine cookbook had a whole list of ingredients, and this wonderful bread basically had just 3! Go with this recipe, for sure!

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Very easy recipe. I always proof the yeast before using in the recipe. Just fill a measuring cup with the warm water and yeast with 1/2 tsp. of sugar and let set for at least 10 minutes until frothy. This is helpful if you have stored the yeast for a while and might have an ounce of doubt! I also brush the loaves with melted butter before placing in the oven as it adds flavor and a nice light golden brown crust on top. Have used this recipe several times and it is a keeper. Have also made delicious garlic bread for two by slicing off one third of the baked loaf and slicing it lengthwise so it is flat, top with melted butter, garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, and a little shredded mozzarella. Pop into a 400 degree oven until the cheese melts. Very yummy accompaniment for hot soup or pasta dishes :)

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This was fantastic! I was a little skeptical since there are only 4 ingredients but apparently that is all you need!

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Super easy to make recipe made easier with the bread maker. My kids loved it and ate both loaves in one day! This recipe is a keeper

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I've made this recipe several times now. Totally LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

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This was great bread! I loved the rustic nature of it. I will definitely be making this again! THANKS!

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I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out GREAT. I will never buy French bread again.

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I'm giving this 4 stars because I've added 2-3 TBSP honey to the recipe and allowed the yeast to sit in the warm water/honey mixture for 10 minutes. Other than that, it's perfect. Very smooth textured, doesn't crumble too much when cooled. I've made it three times now and I love it. Thanks for sharing!

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great recipe but im giving it 4 stars becouse there wasnt enough salt, even though i added a bit more of it than i was supposed to according to the recipe. i also did some of my own things by adding some sugar and i glazed it with a beaten egg with half a TBS of milk ,i made buns instead of loaves baking at the same temp as written for 11 min.next time im adding more salt or trying a different recipe.

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Well here's review 114 and with good reason, this is such a simple, fast and wonder tasting recipe. I'd saved it a long time ago but never got around to making it. Yesterday needed something fast to go with dinner and pulled this out of my saved recipes. Well; it won't take me that long to make it again - this is wonderful. Perfect blend of flavors for that french bread flavor with a light, soft center and that wonderful crunchy crust. When I put the loaves in the oven I did spray lightly with water every 5 minutes X3 to help with the crust I was wanting and it turned out perfect. I was surprised it had no oil in it and was a little concerned but no need - it's perfect as is.

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I think that I'm having troubles digesting preservatives and some additives in commercial bread. I tried this to see if I would get heartburn from just straight-up flour, water, salt, and yeast. I am not allergic to wheat or gluten so those are non-issues. This recipe came out perfect. I have a two pound machine so I doubled the recipe, cut the load in half, and made 16 servings. The texture of the bread holds up well in the cutting process. In fact, it holds up so well, that I'm able to cut one of the 16 servings in half to make the slices fit in the toaster, and to create sandwiches. With each recipe serving coming in at 200 calories, this is bonus for me. I have a Breadman Ultimate machine, used the French Bread Medium setting, and will use the the darker setting next time. This tastes like real French Bread, and without sugar, eggs, honey or the rest, it's Vegan friendly. Finally, it doesn't set me up to grab the entire loaf because it does not create sugar and fat cravings for me either.

Thanks for the posting
Linda

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This turned out so well! I have had issues in the past getting my bread to come out with the right texture, but this was perfect. I will definitely make this again!

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This recipe really is awesome. It turned out absolutely perfect. I didn't have bread flour, so I used AP flour vital wheat gluten. It rose perfectly in bread maker, and then again before baking. I covered it with a damp cloth, and I think next time I'll spritz with some water after I make the cuts in the dough. I also might put a little egg wash on it to make the top shiny. Other than that-- awesome crunch to the crust, awesome density with perfect bubbles in the bread-- super chewy-- tasted like a good loaf from your favorite bakery.

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i have made this bread on countless occasions and it turns out perfectly every time!

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Okay, it just doesn't get any easier than this and it makes great bread! This will be "the bread recipe" for us. My husband kept repeating himself with every bite "this is soooo good". It bakes up with a wonderful crispy crust and soft chewy center without being doughy. Thank you Marie!

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This is a great loaf of bread. I followed the advise of another reviewer and baked on a preheated baking stone. I also added 2 Tb of dry milk. The bread was delicious and it had a very crispy crust. I will definitely be making this bread again.

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Marie I love this recipe. It's simple and amazing. I add 2 cloves of crushed garlic on top of the flour when putting it all together. While in the bread machine the house smelled so good we could hardly wait for the bread to be done. With or without the garlic this is the best ever thanks for this recipe....

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Very easy to make. I just threw all the ingredients in my kitchen aid mixer witht the bread hook, came back 15 minutes later, took out the bread hook, waited and hour and a half then shaped the loaves. made some dinner roles and baguettes. Making steam in the oven while cooking makes the crust crispier.

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This bread is so good. My husband loved it. Thanks for the great recipe. It is so simple to put everything into the bread machine and just finish it in the oven. I didn't have bread flour so I used the all purpose flour and it came out delicious.

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