French Bread

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French Bread

This makes a soft loaf with a crispy crust.
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Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 32 slices
Calories: 77kcal
Author: Cindy Franco Sawyer

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 2 ½ tsp sugar
  • 5-6 cups flour
  • 2 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until it has begin to foam.
    If using instant yeast: Skip this step.
  • Place 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl with the salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and begin to knead by hand or using a dough hook and stand mixer. 
    If using instant yeast: Place 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl with the salt, yeast, and sugar. Stir in the warm water and begin to knead by hand or using a dough hook and stand mixer. 
  • Add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour at a time until the dough is smooth but not sticky.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel or greased plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until doubled, about an hour or so, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. (Or use the "proofing" setting on your oven.)
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half. Roll each section into a thick rectangle, 9X13-inches or thereabouts (doesn't have to be exact). 
  • Arrange seam side down on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can slash several gashes in the top of the bread now or wait until after it has risen.
  • Cover with greased plastic wrap or a (wet) kitchen towel, and let the loaves rise until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size, about an hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Bake on center rack for 17-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
  • Brush the top with melted butter if desired. Slice and enjoy! 

NOTES

  • If using instant yeast, reduce by  1/4 tsp.
Alternate Rising Method:
Instead of letting dough rise in a bowl, leave the dough in the mixer, cover with a lid or towel, and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Stir it down by turning on the mixer for 10 seconds or so. Repeat the “rest and stir down” cycle five more times.

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts
French Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
77
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Sodium
 
182
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
22
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
15
g
5
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.