Crusty French Pistou Bread Recipe

Name: Crusty French Pistou Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour; 2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes rapid-rise yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 to 2 teaspoons salt; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley; 1 cup chopped fresh basil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/3 cups hot water (120u00b0 to 130u00b0); 1 tablespoon cornmeal; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water

Servings: persons

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes rapid-rise yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 cup chopped fresh basil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/3 cups hot water (120u00b0 to 130u00b0)
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

1
Combine 3 1/2 cups flour and next 3 ingredients; add oil and next 4 ingredients, and beat at low speed with a heavy-duty electric mixer until blended.
2
Add hot water; beat at medium speed until blended. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (5 to 10 minutes), adding remaining flour as needed. Place dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
3
Let rise in a warm place (85u00b0), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
4
Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a round loaf, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
5
Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Make 1/2-inch-deep slashes in top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Combine egg and 1 tablespoon water, stirring well; gently brush mixture over loaves.
6
Place a shallow pan on lower oven rack; fill with boiling water. Place loaves on middle rack.
7
Bake at 400u00b0 for 25 to 30 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans immediately; cool on wire racks.

827

kcal

Calories

Fat

105

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour, 2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes rapid-rise yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, and more.

Yes, Crusty French Pistou Bread falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Crusty French Pistou Bread

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions