Simple Homemade French Bread
A light and fluffy homemade French bread with a soft crust that is simple to make and creates two beautiful loaves.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 Tbsp active yeast
- 2 ½ tsp granulated sugar (divided)
- 5 to 6 cups all purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp salt
- Olive oil and/or melted butter
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or the bowl from your stand mixer, add the warm water and yeast. Add 1/2 tsp of sugar and stir. Allow the yeast to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is nice and foamy.
- Add four cups of flour, as well as the salt and remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar. Using the dough hook of your mixer, knead the dough on a slow speed.
- Once the flour is incorporated, add 1/2 a cup of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the edge of the mixing bowl and is smooth. The dough should not be sticky and should bounce back slightly when pressed.
- In the same bowl or another bowl, lightly spray or grease with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half, setting one piece aside. Gently press the dough into a rectangle. Starting along the long side, tightly roll the dough into a long log. Carefully place it on half of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the other piece of dough.
- Allow the two loaves to rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400º Fahrenheit. Once the time is up, cut 3 to 4 slits in the top of each loaf or one long slit down the middle using a serrated knife.
- Bake for 26 to 20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter. Store leftover cooled bread in a plastic bag or container.
