French Bread

I have a really hard time resisting any bread.  Let me clarify…any right-out-of-the-oven, warm bread that I can slather in butter!  AND the smell of baking bread just brings happiness to my home.  I wonder what it is that makes it so comforting.  Whatever it is, I sure do enjoy baking it!

My go to recipe is always this French Bread.  Quicker and easier than rolls, perfect to bake and bring to a neighbor and makes the best base for French Bread Pizza (not to mention amazing French Toast!)

French Bread
Printable Version
Makes 2 loaves

2 1/4 cups warm water
2 TBSP granulated sugar
1 TBSP yeast
1 TBSP salt
2 TBSP vegetable oil
5-5 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 egg
1 tsp water

In a large mixing bowl, mix together yeast, sugar and water.  Cover with a towel and let it proof for 6 minutes.   Add in salt and oil.  Using your dough hook on your mixer or just your hands, stir in 5 cups of flour and knead for 8 minutes.  Add in more flour if needed.  Your dough should be smooth and just barely sticky.  Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, then knead for 1 minute.  Repeat 3 times (a total of an hour) and cover with a towel in between.  Lightly spray a baking sheet.  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and divide dough in half.  Roll each half into a 9×13 rectangle and roll up lengthwise.  Pinch the seam together and place onto the baking sheet.  Repeat with the second dough.  With a sharp knife, make 3 slits on the top of the dough.  Cover with a towel and place in a warm spot.  Let it rise for 30 minutes or until double in size.  Preheat oven to 375.  In a small bowl whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash.  Brush on top of the dough.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Serve warm. 

Adapted from The Sister’s Cafe