Simply the Best French Bread: this recipe will make you wonder why you ever bought it at the store. It is simple, delicious and will disappear in moments flat.
I love baking bread and this recipe makes that love for baking multiply. I feel like the most intimidating part of bread-making is yeast and this recipe is literally a dump and mix. You can not fail! I place all of the ingredients into my Bosch and turn it on and off a few times and then roll out the dough. It is so simple, you will wonder why you ever bought it at the store.
I love baking French Bread with soups, lasagna, spaghetti, or even French Toast. This simple recipe will change the way you look at bread making and the taste will be so savory you will make it a regular visitor at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c very warm water
- 2 T sugar
- 1T salt
- 2 T cooking oil
- 2 pkg yeast (4 1/2 t)
- 6 c flour
Instructions
- Pour water, sugar, salt, oil, half the flour and yeast in mixer.
- Beat vigorously for 2-3 min.
- Stir in remaining flour and mix.
- Allow dough to rest 10 minutes, then stir.
- Repeat this process five times.
- Turn dough onto a floured board and divide into two parts.
- Roll each part of dough into a rectangle about 9x12 and roll up like a jelly roll, rolling from the long side.
- Pinch edge of loaf to seal the dough.
- Arrange lengthwise on cookie sheet.
- Cover lightly; rise 30 min.
- With a sharp knife, cut three gashes at an angle on top and brush the entire surface with slightly beaten egg.
- May sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake immediately at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
- Makes two loaves.
I remember the first time I made the recipe, I was probably 21. I literally called my mom 15 times to clarify the instructions because they seemed too easy for a basic bread. I was use to making our family crescent rolls that required exact adherence to instructions to have a successful batch. She confirmed over and over that the instructions were correct and that yes indeed it was “that easy” to make.
I since have made them dozens of times and love sharing the second loaf with neighbors or friends. That’s right – this recipe makes two loaves and so you can be greedy and save them both for your family, or share the love. I’ll tell you now that sharing the bread will be the hardest thing you do!
Step outside of your comfort zone and give this recipe a try. You will be surprised how simple it really is.
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