Discover the joy of homemade baking with this "French Bread Yummy and Easy" recipe that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Crafted from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and olive oil, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With a quick 15-minute prep time and a foolproof kneading process, you’ll achieve soft, airy bread with a golden, crispy crust thanks to a shiny egg white glaze. The use of warm water helps activate the yeast for the perfect rise, while cornmeal adds a rustic touch to the base. Whether served warm with butter, alongside soups, or as the base for sandwiches, this versatile loaf is a family favorite that never disappoints. Follow these easy steps to bring the irresistible aroma of freshly baked French bread into your home!
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long loaf, about 12 inches in length.
Sprinkle a baking sheet lightly with cornmeal, and place the shaped loaves on the sheet, leaving enough space between them. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg white with the tablespoon of cold water, and brush it over the tops of the loaves for a shiny crust.
Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. These slashes allow the bread to expand during baking.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade French bread!
Serving size | 917.5 grams (917.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1900 |
Total Fat 18.20g | 23% |
Saturated Fat 2.60g | 13% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 4783mg | 208% |
Total Carbohydrate 371.30g | 135% |
Dietary Fiber 13.10g | 47% |
Total Sugars 5.50g | |
Protein 53.10g | 106% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 68mg | 5% |
Iron 22mg | 124% |
Potassium 568mg | 12% |
Source of Calories