Easy Homemade French Bread
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
45 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
-
Servings
16 servings
-
Calories
106 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
Easy Homemade French Bread
Description
Easy Homemade French Bread uses basic pantry ingredients including all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and lukewarm water mixed and kneaded into a soft dough. After initial mixing, the dough rests briefly, then is kneaded a bit more before rising for about 1.5 hours covered with a damp towel to develop volume. The risen dough is shaped into two rectangular loaves rolled jelly-roll style to form a tight spiral and sealed at the edges. These loaves rise again until doubled in size before baking. The surface is brushed with an egg and water mixture which enhances browning and crust texture. The method results in bread with a crisp crust and a tender yet chewy crumb inside, typical of French bread’s character.
This homemade bread works well for sandwiches, to accompany soups or salads, or simply served with butter. It can be sliced fresh for use in various recipes or meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup water lukewarm
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg for glaze
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix water with yeast and let it sit for a minute or so. Add sugar and salt.
- In small portions add flour. If you are using a mixer, use the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough really comes together.
- Knead at medium speed for 2 minutes. The dough should clear the sides, but stick to the bottom. (If it is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water to the dough to adjust.) Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Turn the mixer on again and mix for 3 minutes. When the cycle is completed, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise for 1½ hours.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Starting with the long side, roll up the dough jelly-roll style; pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the bread rolls onto a lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, at least 30 minutes.
- Whisk the egg and water; and brush over the loaves. Using a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 106 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 106kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 296mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 37mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
