Description
Soft and fluffy homemade French bread with a lightly crisp golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, soups, garlic bread, or serving warm with butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional for brushing
- 1 tablespoon milk, optional for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a long loaf and place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Use a sharp knife to make 3 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush loaves with melted butter or milk if desired.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not add too much flour or the bread may become dense.
- Instant yeast can be substituted for active dry yeast.
- Brush with butter after baking for a softer crust.
- This bread freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
