Go Back
homemade french bread
Print

Homemade French Bread

Easy, from scratch, delicious bread recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine French
Keyword French bread
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 2 loaves
Author Jenny

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. honey or sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups water at 110F
  • cornmeal
  • 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
  • In a small bowl combine the warm water and honey until fully blended.
  • Gradually add the water to the flour mixture until dough forms. The consistency should be like play-dough, not too sticky but forms into a smooth elastic ball. You may not need all the water, or you may need a little extra. Use your best judgment to attain the right consistency.
  • Allow the stand mixer to knead the dough for 10 minutes, or knead by hand for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Shape into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, turning dough over to coat in the oil. Cover bowl with cling wrap or a wet towel, and set in a warm place to rise. 30-60 minutes or until doubled in volume.
  • Gently punch dough down and divide in half. On a lightly floured surface roll each half into approximately 14x9” rectangle. Roll the rectangle up lengthwise, moisten the ends with water and pinch tightly to seal. Taper and seal ends.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal. Place loaves seam side down. Cut diagonal slits on top about ¼ inch deep and brush with the egg water mixture. Gently lay cling wrap over them and let rise until doubled in size.
  • While dough is rising preheat oven to 375.
  • Bake for 15 minutes. Brush with more egg/water mixture and bake another 10 minutes. Slice and serve!