I know that making bread for many of you is intimidating. The use of yeast makes you uneasy. I totally get it. Making bread is an exact science of measurement & timing. That being said this Fast and Easy Homemade French Bread recipe is the PERFECT recipe to start with!
It takes just a few standard ingredients to make the dough. As well as a few minutes of “rise” time.
In no time at all you will be serving this French Bread for dinner. If you can wait that long. My family likes to enjoy this with some homemade strawberry jam while its still warm.
This French Bread has a nice crusty outside with a soft thick center. Perfect to serve along side pasta, stew or jam! 🙂
FAST & EASY HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD
2 Tablespoons of Active Dry Yeast
1/2 Cup Warm Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Water
6-7 Cups All Purpose Flour
*1 Egg for brushing on top of bread
Start by combining the 1/2 Cup warm water with your yeast in a small bowl. Stir to combine, then let rest for 10 minutes to bloom. (you will know it has bloomed when it looks like it is has expanded and frothy) Mean while you will add together the sugar, salt, oil and 2 cups of water in a large mixing bowl. Mix together for 1 minute. Then add in 3 Cups of the flour, mix again. Add in the yeast mixture, slowly add in remaining flour 1 cup at a time. This dough will be thick and a little sticky. Cover with a light weight towel and set aside for 15 minutes. Then knead the dough on a floured surface for just a few minutes, long enough to make it soft & smooth no longer sticky. Roll into 1 large “log”, then divide into 3 pieces.
Then roll out each dough ball into approximate 9″ x 13″ rectangle. Roll each one “jelly roll” style.
* like if you were making cinnamon rolls.
Tucking ends under. Place all three loaves onto a lightly greased parchment lined baking sheet.
Using a sharp knife cut 3-4 slits into the tops of each loaf.
Brush on beaten egg wash to the top of each loaf. Cover again with a towel and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
Once the Bread has risen, place into a preheated oven of 375. Bake for 20-24 minutes.
Here is the hardest part to making this French Bread…waiting for 5 minutes before cutting it!
Now give it a try, I promise you that you CAN DO IT!
~ Lark
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