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4 from 4 votes

Easy French Bread

This easy French bread recipe shows you step-by-step how to make soft, crusty loaves at home with simple ingredients.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: french bread
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 60kcal
Author: Kasey Schwartz

Ingredients

  • 1 package active dry yeast 1/4 ounce
  • 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.

Notes

Use the right water temperature: Too hot can kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it.
Don’t skip the second rise: This helps create a light, airy texture.
Score the loaf: The cuts help control how the bread expands while baking.
Check for doneness: The bread should sound hollow when tapped.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.4mg