Fastest French Bread

Name: Fastest French Bread
Yield: makes 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; 2 teaspoons instant yeast (see Note); 2 teaspoons salt

December 20, 2011

I won’t claim that this is the best bread you’ve ever eaten, but it’s the fastest yeast bread imaginable, and it’s better than anything you can buy at many supermarkets. It requires little effort, less attention, and rounds out most simple dishes into filling meals.

Cooks' Note

I specify instant yeast (such as SAF) in this recipe and all my baking recipes. This is yeast that can be mixed, dry, with the flour—it’s fuss-free, keeps forever in the fridge, and is sold at every supermarket.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.