By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 29, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Leidenheimer French Bread is an iconic New Orleans classic that’s loved for its crunchy crust and chewy center. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or even as croutons in salads.
All you need is some basic ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a delicious loaf of Leidenheimer French Bread.
Whether you’re a novice baker or a bread-baking expert, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you whip up a batch of delicious Leidenheimer French Bread in no time!
What is Leidenheimer French Bread?
Leidenheimer French Bread is a type of rustic, crusty bread that originated in New Orleans. It gets its name from the Leidenheimer Baking Company, which has been baking it since 1896.
Unlike other types of bread, Leidenheimer French Bread has a unique combination of ingredients that create a slightly crunchy outer crust and chewy center. It’s traditionally used for French-style sandwiches, toast, and even as croutons in salads.
It has also become popular for use in other dishes. That’s because it adds a unique flavor and chewiness that can’t be replicated with other types of bread.
What does it taste like?
Leidenheimer French Bread has a slightly crunchy outer crust and chewy center. Its unique taste comes from the combination of ingredients used, including bread flour, yeast, sugar, shortening, and salt.
The result is a delicious loaf of bread that’s slightly sweet thanks to the sugar and has just the right amount of saltiness. It also has a subtle flavor from the shortening that adds another dimension of flavor and keeps the crust from getting too crispy.
Overall, it’s a flavorful bread that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a variety of dishes. Its unique combination of flavors makes it incredibly versatile and a great addition to any meal!
How did I first get introduced to the Leidenheimer French Bread?
I first encountered Leidenheimer French Bread when I moved to New Orleans. It was love at first bite! The crunchy crust was like nothing I’d ever tasted before.
I quickly learned that it was unique to the area, made by the legendary Leidenheimer Baking Company. Founded in 1896, this family-owned business has been crafting this iconic French Bread for generations. It’s so popular in New Orleans that it’s now the official sandwich bread of the city!
When I first started baking, I knew I had to learn how to make my own Leidenheimer French Bread. I searched high and low until I found a reliable recipe.
After lots of trial and error, I eventually figured out how to make this amazing bread. Now, I’m proud to share my recipe with you so that you can enjoy its unique flavor and texture too!
How to make Leidenheimer French Bread?
Making your own Leidenheimer French Bread is surprisingly easy! All you need are some basic ingredients and follow the directions below:
You can also read the following breakfast recipes:
Ingredients
- Hot water: This is necessary for activating the yeast and providing moisture to the dough.
- Sugar: This helps with browning as well as adding a subtle sweetness to the bread.
- Yeast granules: These are responsible for leavening the bread, or making it rise.
- Shortening: This adds flavor and helps keep the crust from getting too crispy.
- Bread flour: This is a special type of flour that has higher gluten content, which helps create structure in the dough.
- Salt: This adds flavor and also helps with browning as well as creating a slightly crunchy crust.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the yeast starts to foam.
Step 2
Add in the shortening and stir until completely combined.
Step 3
Gradually add in bread flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Once all of the flour is incorporated, add in the salt.
Step 4
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is soft and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each piece into a log shape. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 6
Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7
When the oven is preheated, uncover the loaves. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crusty.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Be sure to use bread flour for this, as all-purpose flour will not provide the same structure and texture.
- If desired, you can brush the loaves with an eggwash before baking for a glossy finish.
- You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to give the bread extra flavor.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the loaves with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- To give your loaves a more rustic look, sprinkle some cornmeal on the parchment paper before placing the dough on it.
- This bread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Adding in some diced onions and garlic will give the bread an extra depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma.
- For even more deliciousness, top the loaves with some grated cheese before baking!
- Try using Leidenheimer French Bread for sandwiches, toast, or even as croutons in salads. The possibilities are endless!
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it until it’s soft and elastic.
Leidenheimer French Bread Recipe
Equipment
- wooden spoon
- Electric mixer
- plastic wrap
- bowl
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour/Bread flour
- 1 cup hot water
- 3 tsp Vegetable shortening
- 3 tsp dry yeast granules
- 3 tsp salt
- 3 tsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the yeast starts to foam.
- Add in the shortening and stir until completely combined.
- Gradually add in bread flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Once all of the flour is incorporated, add in the salt.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is soft and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each piece into a log shape. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- When the oven is preheated, uncover the loaves. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crusty.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to use bread flour for this, as all-purpose flour will not provide the same structure and texture.
- If desired, you can brush the loaves with an eggwash before baking for a glossy finish.
- You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to give the bread extra flavor.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the loaves with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- To give your loaves a more rustic look, sprinkle some cornmeal on the parchment paper before placing the dough on it.
- This bread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Adding in some diced onions and garlic will give the bread an extra depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma.
- For even more deliciousness, top the loaves with some grated cheese before baking!
- Try using Leidenheimer French Bread for sandwiches, toast, or even as croutons in salads. The possibilities are endless!
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it until it’s soft and elastic.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 234 kcal | Carbohydrates: 41 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 1 mg | Sodium: 676 mg | Potassium: 83 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 3 IU | Calcium: 16 mg | Iron: 1.8
What to serve with Leidenheimer French Bread?
Leidenheimer French Bread is so versatile that you can serve it with just about anything! It’s the perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, and sandwiches. You can use it as a base for pizzas, as well as for bruschetta and crostini.
It also pairs nicely with savory dishes like omelets, quiche, and hash. You can even top it with your favorite spreads and jams for a delicious snack or breakfast.
For something more decadent, you can slice it into cubes to make French toast! It’s also great topped with melted cheese and served with a side of marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer.
How to store leftover Leidenheimer French Bread?
Your leftover French Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan on keeping it longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat your bread, simply wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help to restore the crusty texture and keep it from becoming soggy.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Leidenheimer French Bread is generally safe for pregnant women to eat. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns. You should also exercise portion control and practice moderation when consuming this bread.
FAQs
Is Leidenheimer French Bread gluten-free?
No, this bread is not gluten-free due to the bread flour used in the recipe.
Does this bread contain dairy?
No, there are no dairy ingredients in this recipe.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the shortening for vegan-friendly alternatives such as vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make this. Just follow the instructions on your specific machine.
Should I knead the dough by hand or with an electric mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand or with an electric mixer. If you have a stand mixer, it makes for an easier and quicker process.
What can I substitute for bread flour?
You can use all-purpose flour in place of bread flour if needed, but the texture and structure of the bread will not be the same.
Can I make this bread without yeast?
No, you cannot make this without using yeast as it helps to leaven the dough and create a light texture.
Wrapping Up
Making your own Leidenheimer French Bread is a great way to enjoy this classic delicacy without having to travel all the way to New Orleans! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have delicious homemade French Bread that tastes even better than the store-bought kind.
Be sure to follow all of the steps above and take your time kneading the dough for the best results. With a little patience and practice, you’ll have perfect loaves in no time! Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. Thank you for reading!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
