Description
This Homemade Bakery French Bread delivers crusty‐golden loaves with a soft, tender interior—ready in just over an hour using simple pantry staples and a quick rise.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- ½ cup warm water (for dissolving the yeast)
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- ⅓ cup oil
- 6½ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the ½ cup of warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix the 2 cups of hot water, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of flour. Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the remaining 3½ cups flour, about one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. When the dough starts pulling away from the bowl sides, let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a 9×12‑inch rectangle, then roll up lengthwise to form loaves.
- Place the loaves seam‑side down on a greased baking sheet. Make 3–4 diagonal slashes on top. Brush each loaf with beaten egg.
- Let the loaves rise uncovered for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Bake the loaves for 18–22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Notes
- Brushing melted butter on the crust after baking softens it and adds flavor.
- Add sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking for extra texture.
- Substitute 1–2 cups of whole‑wheat flour for more fibre—adjust water slightly if dough seems dry.
- Shape into baguettes, sandwich rolls or mini‑loaves depending on how you plan to serve them.
- For flavored bread, mix in garlic powder or Italian herbs into the dough.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French‑style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
