Easy Homemade French Bread
Who knew homemade French bread could be so easy?! Skip the bakery and learn how to make your own crusty French bread loaves at home.
Calories: 786kcal
Ingredients
- 1 package 1/4 ounce active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water 110° to 115°
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon cold water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until it has begin to foam.
- Add the yeast mixture to a mixer bowl then add in the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Using the paddle attachment, blend until mixed well.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
- Remove the paddle attachment and add the dough hook - allow to “knead” for 5-8 minutes.
- Alternatively, turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Shape into a 16x2-1/2-in. loaf. Or you can shape into two smaller loaves.
- Sprinkle cornmeal over a greased baking sheet; place loaf on baking sheet.
- Make three diagonal cuts across the top. Cover lightly with a towel. Let rise for 30-60 minutes
- Once the dough has risen, preheat oven to 375°.
- Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough.
- Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition
Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Sodium: 1167mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 5mg