Homemade French Bread Recipe: Easy and Delicious

If you’re a fan of fresh, warm, and crusty French bread but want to keep your Weight Watchers points in check, this Homemade French Bread recipe is perfect for you! This bread offers a light, airy crumb with a deliciously crispy crust. It’s simple to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and it’s a perfect accompaniment to your favorite soups, salads, or sandwiches. Plus, it’s lower in calories and points than store-bought French bread, so you can enjoy it without any guilt!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute (like Monk Fruit)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or light olive oil spray for fewer points)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a healthier twist)
• 1 tbsp cornmeal (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.

2. Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Once the dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise

1. Grease a large bowl with a light coating of olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaves

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a loaf. Roll the dough into a long, oval shape, and place each loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly dusted with cornmeal.

5. Let the Loaves Rise Again

1. Cover the loaves with a clean cloth and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until they puff up and increase in size.

6. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If you want to achieve a crispier crust, place an empty baking pan or a small metal tray on the lower oven rack while it preheats.

7. Bake the Bread

1. Before placing the loaves in the oven, make a few diagonal slashes on top of each loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade. This helps the bread expand as it bakes.
2. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool and Slice

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the texture to set and prevents the bread from becoming too soft.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 16 Slices per Loaf):

• Calories: 90
• WW Points: 3 points
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light and Airy: This French bread has a delicate, fluffy interior with a crispy crust—just like you’d get from a bakery!
2. Fewer Points: By using olive oil in place of butter and controlling the ingredients, this bread is lower in calories and Weight Watchers points compared to traditional French bread.
3. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up fresh homemade bread at home.
4. Customizable: You can easily add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Pro Tips

• Use a Pizza Stone for Extra Crispiness: If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven and bake your loaves on it for an even crispier crust.
• Freeze for Later: Make extra loaves and freeze them to enjoy homemade bread at any time. Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Add Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to boost the fiber content and make the bread even more filling.

Serving Suggestions

• With Soup: Pair a warm slice of this bread with your favorite low-point soup for a comforting and filling meal.
• For Sandwiches: Use this French bread to make a delicious sandwich with lean meats, veggies, and mustard or low-fat cheese.
• As a Side: Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

This Homemade French Bread is a simple, healthier alternative to store-bought French bread, offering that perfect balance of crusty exterior and soft interior without the extra calories. It’s versatile, easy to make, and great for meal prepping. Whether you’re using it to soak up soup, make a sandwich, or just enjoy a slice with a bit of butter, you won’t believe it’s a Weight Watchers-friendly option!