Pain aux Noix, or French walnut bread, is a deliciously nutty, hearty loaf that brings the spirit of French country baking to life. This bread is a staple in the southwest regions of France, especially in Périgord, where walnuts are abundant and celebrated in local cuisine. With its crusty exterior and soft, flavorful crumb studded with walnuts, Pain aux Noix is perfect for both savory and sweet pairings.

Let’s explore the story, recipe, and uses of this earthy, nutritious bread that adds rustic charm to any table.

🌰 What is Pain aux Noix?

Pain aux Noix translates to “bread with walnuts.” It’s a traditional artisan bread made with simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, salt, and toasted walnuts. Some versions also include rye or whole wheat flour for a denser texture and deeper flavor.

This bread is not sweet, though its nuttiness pairs wonderfully with cheese, charcuterie, foie gras, or even a drizzle of honey. It’s a versatile loaf enjoyed throughout the day—from breakfast to dinner.

🥖 Ingredients

For One Loaf:

350 g bread flour

50 g whole wheat or rye flour (optional, for flavor)

7 g salt

7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)

250 ml lukewarm water

100 g walnuts (roughly chopped and toasted)

🔪 How to Make Pain aux Noix

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix the flours and salt.

  2. In another cup, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly frothy.

  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix into a dough.

  4. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. Gently incorporate the chopped walnuts into the dough. Knead until evenly distributed.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.

Place on a baking tray or in a banneton basket lined with a towel. Cover and let it rise again for 45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).

  2. Optionally score the top with a sharp knife for a decorative finish.

  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

💡 Tips for Better Pain aux Noix

Toasting the walnuts before adding them intensifies their flavor and prevents sogginess.

Use bread flour for a chewier texture.

Add a pan of water to the oven while baking to create steam and a crisp crust.

Store in a paper bag to preserve the crusty exterior.

🧀 How to Serve Pain aux Noix

Pain aux Noix is incredibly versatile:

With cheese: Serve with blue cheese (Roquefort), goat cheese, or Brie.

With foie gras: A classic French pairing, especially around holidays.

With butter and honey: For breakfast or tea.

As sandwich bread: Pair with ham, arugula, and mustard.

With soups: Its hearty structure holds up well alongside broths or creamy soups.

🏡 A Slice of the French Countryside

Pain aux Noix is more than just a bread—it’s a taste of rural France. Simple, nourishing, and packed with natural flavor, it represents the kind of artisanal baking that brings warmth to every meal. Whether you're enjoying it with a wedge of cheese or just a pat of butter, it invites you to slow down and savor.

Bon appétit! 🥖🌰🧀