French Country Bread
This is an "impossible" bread. You can't make a bread like this in a bread machine. But you can.
Can I use this mix in my 1 pound capacity or 1.5 pound capacity bread machine?
We have designed our mixes specifically for 2 lb. capacity machines. However, you may still find success with 1.5 lb. capacity machines. You may expect to see the top of the loaf touch the lid of the machine towards the end of the baking cycle. This may lead to imperfect baking in that one spot on the loaf. The rest of the loaf should be fine. For 1 lb. bread machines, we recommend only running the bread on the dough cycle and then transfer the dough to a pan for baking in a conventional oven. See packaging for more info.
Why do the directions ask me to use a thermometer?
Yeast is very sensitive to heat and other environmental factors. We have tested and designed our mixes to find the sweet spot for yeast activity to get the best rise. Even just a few degrees off on water temperature can make a big impact on the quality of your bread. Measuring the temperature of your water accurately is the best way to ensure consistently successful bread baking.
I followed the directions exactly and I see had a problem with my bread? What can I do?
Sometimes bread issues happen. We are happy to help. Send us a picture of your bread and a picture of the back packaging of your bread mix to our customer support email at customerservice@preparedpantry.com. Include as much detail as possible about your baking process and bread machine model so we can troubleshoot the cause of the issue.
Should I adjust my mix for high altitudes?
We don't recommend making any changes to the mix for high altitudes. We have tested our mixes in a variety of locations and have fine tuned each mix to be the best product possible.
I don't have a bread machine or a stand-type mixer. Can I still make this bread in my oven?
- Yes! Our bread mixes are designed for bread machines or oven. You can make them in a variety of ways such as a free standing artisan loaf, rolls, hamburger buns and more. See our Bread Baking Guide for more info on baking bread in the oven.
This bread is amazing!
Isn't it impossible to make a chewy crust in a bread machine?
Well, you really can. It comes out of the bread machine crackly and chewy. And if you don't eat it all right away, stick it in the toaster to make it crackly and chewy again.
This is authentic French bread with an interior that is light and airy, soft and moist.
Your Questions
- How does this differ from your original French bread? Fair question. The original French bread was our #2 seller, a fabulous bread. But alas, a key ingredient was discontinued, and we have been testing replacements. This isn't exactly what we had before, but it's very close. We can't tell a difference unless we're eating them side by side.
- Have you given up on the original? Not at all, and we're getting close.
- What about the crust? The crust is the most amazing part! It's chewy and holds up better than anything else we've tried, and we've developed hundreds of bread mixes.
- Will my kids like it? Yep, it's kids approved. Kids like white bread.
- Can I make it round or long? Both. Yep, it's a regular French bread. You can bake it in a bread pan, on a baking sheet, or use your bread machine. If you use a bread machine, you'll need a 2-pound machine.
- How big is the loaf? In your bread machine, it should be six inches or more.
- Why is the water temperature important? The ideal temperature for yeast is 79 degrees. That's where yeast grows best.
- Is it sweet at all? No.
- What do I need to add? Only water.
- It says "no preservatives." We add nothing except a touch of dough enhancer to help the yeast grow. Without preservatives, it won't last forever. If you're not going to use it in four or five days, freeze the extra.
This is a cousin to our Italian Country Bread. Use it just as you would a loaf from your favorite baker. You'll be amazed at how easily you can make a loaf like this at home.
How to Store Your Crusty Bread
The interior of your loaf is soft and moist. Your baker will tell you to store your bread in a paper bag, not plastic, so the moisture can escape. But that means that after a day, your French bread is stale.
I cut off whatever I'm going to eat on the first day and put it in a paper bag. The rest goes in a plastic bag. But that's the end of my crusty crust.
Most of the bread in the plastic bag goes in the toaster. It's like magic! The bread comes out of the toaster, crunchy and chewy. You won't feel deprived at all!
1. Consider making this bread in the oven instead of in your bread machine.
You don't have to, of course, but in your oven, you can bake an artisan bread or bake your bread in a bread pan.
Here's "How to Bake Bread in the Oven in Three Easy Steps."
This is a free-standing French bread baked on a baking sheet in the oven.
2. Consider Roasted Garlic Olive Oil for dipping.
If you are using this bread to complement a meal, consider adding Roasted Garlic Olive Oil. This is a copycat recipe from Johnny Carino's.
How to make roasted garlic oil.
3. How to Make Your Sandwiches Better
Instead of using mayo alone on your sandwich, and some flavor with a sauce or dressing. I use Thai Sweet Chilli and mix it into the mayo to give it a little kick.
In our test kitchen, we've often used a vinegarette instead of mayo. Vinegareete gives a wonderful splash of flavor to a sandwich.
Always add pepper and salt. It's amazing how pepper and salt will elevate your sandwich.
Chicken, cheese, and avocado on French bread
4. Make Roasted Garlic French Bread
This is the real thing and you can make it in about 15 minutes.
See how to make roasted garlic French bread.
Makes very nice toast
I love it especially toasted this is my kind of bread
Normally I do my bread in a machine. But for this bread I got out the mixer. Easily done, no pan, just tied in knots, and let it rise. Baking time took a tiny bit longer, but everyone enjoyed the end result.
Only $3.99! French Country Bread. Limit 3
Great crispy crust and super flavorful bread !