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French Bread Recipe
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French Bread Recipe

With a crisp golden crust and soft, fluffy inside, this French Bread recipe makes the most perfect loaf of bread. Serve with your favorite soup, stews, chilis, spaghetti, and more.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Rise and Rest Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 2 loaves
Calories: 1878 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 /4 ounce active dry yeast package
  • 1/2 cup water warm
  • 1 tsp sugar granulated white
  • 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 cups water warm
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine 2 packages of active dry yeast and 1 tsp of granulated white sugar in ½ cup of warm water. Set aside until foamy.
  2. In a separate large bowl combine 1 tbsp salt and 2 cups of lukewarm water, beat in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour.
  3. Blend in the yeast mixture and stir in 4-4 ½ cups of flour (enough to make a soft dough).
  4. Turn out on a lightly floured surface, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, (about7-10 min) work in the remaining cup of flour.
  6. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once.
  7. Cover and let the dough rise until about double the amount (approximately 1-1 ½ hours).
  8. Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface
  9. Divide the dough into two portions.
  10. Cover the dough and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
  11. Roll each portion, forming a 15 x 12” rectangle. Roll tightly beginning at the long end and sealing well. Taper the ends.
  12. Place each loaf, seam side down on a greased and cornstarch sprinkled baking sheet.
  13. With a very sharp knife slash the tops every 2 ½ inches and about ¼ inch deep.
  14. Beat one egg white until just foamy and mix in 1 tbsp water.
  15. Brush the egg white mixture onto the tops and sides of the loaves
  16. Cover with a damp cloth, making sure to not touch the loaves. (Drape the cloth over inverted glasses). Let rise until double, about 1 ½ hour. Preheat oven to 375° as the bread reaches the end of the proofing time.
  17. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until light brown.
  18. Baste the loaves again with the egg white mixture and then bake for another 20 minutes. If the loaves are starting to brown too much, cover loosely with foil
  19. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire rack.

Nutrition Information

Calories 1878kcal (94%) Carbohydrates 389g (130%) Protein 54g (108%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 3525mg (147%) Potassium 664mg (14%) Fiber 17g (68%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin C 0.01mg (0%) Calcium 76mg (8%) Iron 23mg (128%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 loaves

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1878

% Daily Value*

Calories 1878kcal 94%
Carbohydrates 389g 130%
Protein 54g 108%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 3525mg 147%
Potassium 664mg 14%
Fiber 17g 68%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin C 0.01mg 0%
Calcium 76mg 8%
Iron 23mg 128%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.