Whole Grain French Bread

Best with Amber Eden™ or Turkey Red

Amber Eden™’s creamy, mild sweetness and Turkey Red’s structure make them ideal for traditional French loaves with a hearty crust and open crumb.

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ cups (600 g) freshly milled whole-wheat flour (Amber Eden™ or Turkey Red)

  • 1 ¾ cups (415 ml) warm water (100–105°F)

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp honey or malt syrup (optional, for color)

  • 2 tsp instant yeast (or 1 packet active dry yeast)

Directions

  1. Mix: Combine flour, water, and yeast until a shaggy dough forms. Rest 30 minutes.

  2. Add salt (and honey), knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. First rise: Cover and rise 1½–2 hours until doubled.

  4. Shape: Divide into two loaves (baguette or batard).

  5. Second rise: Cover and proof 45–60 minutes.

  6. Slash & bake: Score tops; bake at 450°F (230°C) with steam for 25–30 minutes.

  7. Cool completely before slicing.

Tip: Add up to 20% White Sonora flour for a lighter, softer loaf.