Fabulous French Bread Recipe
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Category: Breads
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Easy, Inexpensive, Less than 4 Hours
Description: This simple and delicious French bread recipe is a true delight. Discovered at a church women’s function, it has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s remarkably easy to make, and the end result is always a pair of golden, crusty loaves that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want to enjoy the smell of fresh-baked bread, this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 6 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
Instructions:
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Begin by pouring the warm water into a large, warm mixing bowl. This will ensure that your yeast activates properly. The water should be warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F to 115°F.
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Stir in the sugar, salt, and dry yeast, followed by 3 cups of the flour. This initial mix will help to dissolve the yeast and sugar, creating a frothy base for your dough.
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Beat the mixture vigorously for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to develop the gluten and gives the bread its desired texture.
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Gradually add the remaining flour to the mixture until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. The batter should be thick and sticky. Leave a spoon in the batter to keep track of its consistency.
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Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flour absorb the moisture and the yeast to start working.
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After the first resting period, stir down the dough to deflate it slightly. Allow it to rest again for another 10 minutes and stir down once more. Repeat this process of resting and stirring down a total of five times. This helps to develop the dough’s structure and improve its rise.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently, just enough to coat it with flour so that it’s manageable. Be careful not to over-knead; the goal is to handle the dough without adding too much extra flour.
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Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each piece into a rectangle about 9×12 inches in size. Roll each rectangle up from the long side, like you would roll a jelly roll, ensuring a tight roll to give the bread its classic shape.
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Pinch the ends of each roll to seal them and place them onto a large baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal. The cornmeal will prevent the bread from sticking and adds a nice texture to the bottom of the loaves.
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Cover the loaves lightly with a cloth and let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. This final rise will give the bread its fluffy texture.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a very sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf. These slashes help the bread expand properly as it bakes.
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Brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful, golden-brown color as they bake.
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Bake the loaves immediately in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Once baked, remove the loaves from the baking sheet and cool them on wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Note: For convenience, you can use a Kitchenaid mixer to mix the dough. It works beautifully and can save you time and effort. Just follow the same steps for mixing and kneading.
Enjoy your homemade French bread warm from the oven or toasted with your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. 🍞🥖
