4 Classic European Breads You Can Make at Home

There's something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling up your kitchen. It's a scent that's comforting and inviting, making your home feel like a real bakery. What's even better, however, is pulling a loaf of bread out of the oven that you've made from scratch. Homemade bread has a taste and texture that's truly incomparable to anything you'd find in the store. If you're ready to try your hand at baking your own bread, then you're in the right place. This article is going to walk you through four of the best and most classic European bread recipes that you can make right at home.

French Baguette

There's nothing quite like a French baguette. This bread is a staple in France and it's known for its distinct long and thin shape. The outside is crusty while the inside is delightfully soft and chewy. Although it may seem intimidating to make, it's actually quite straightforward.

Ingredients:

• 1 Packet Active Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
• 3 1/4 Cups Bread Flour
• 2 Teaspoons Salt

Steps:

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.
5. Divide the dough into two pieces and shape each into a long, thin loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet and let them rise for another hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bake the loaves for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Italian Ciabatta

Ciabatta is a popular Italian bread known for its rustic appearance and chewy texture. It's perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or simply enjoying with a bit of olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
• 1 Cup Warm Water
• 3 1/4 Cups Bread Flour
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

Steps:

1. Mix the yeast and warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Add in the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the dough for about 25-30 minutes until it's golden brown.

German Pretzel

Pretzels, or 'Brezeln' as they're known in Germany, are a beloved snack in Germany. They have a distinct dark brown crust, a slight crunch, and a soft inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 Packet Active Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
• 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted

Steps:

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Shape the dough into pretzel shapes and bake for 15-20 minutes until they're a deep brown color.

English Muffins

English muffins might not be what you first think of when you hear 'bread', but these little round breads are a classic, especially for breakfast. They're known for their distinct nooks and crannies that perfectly hold butter and jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 Cups Milk
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 Packets Active Dry Yeast
• 5 Cups Bread Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Steps:

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the milk mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.
6. Divide the dough into round shapes and place them on a griddle over medium heat. Cook them for 10-12 minutes on each side until they're golden brown.

And there you have it. Four classic European breads that you can make right at home.