This Homemade French Bread Recipe is the best! I have always loved fresh bread out of the oven. It is something I have baked ever since my little guy was well LITTLE. He would sit and help out then play in a bowl of flour while I finished. I had to dig out some fun pictures of him helping me out below. Want more bread recipes? I have a ton from 5 Ingredent Banana Bread to Homemade Crescent Rolls.
What you will need to make this Homemade French Bread Recipe:
1 1/2 tbs instant yeast
1/2 C very warm water
1 1/2 tbs sugar
2 Cups of water
1 1/2 tbs oil
2 1/4 tsp salt
6 Cups of flour
Combine the yeast, 1/2 C warm water, and sugar, and let proof for ten minutes. The first attempt Mac and I forgot the sugar in this step VERY important! Then add remaining 2 C water, oil, salt, and 3 C of flour. Mix until flour is incorporated, then add remaining 3 C flour gradually. Knead about five minutes, then turn out onto generously floured surface. Every ten minutes for the next hour knead two or three times. Then form into 4 loaves.
Brush egg white mixed with a wee bit of water, on the bread.
Helpful tip: Get it all covered – anything not covered with the egg mixture will end up pale looking ( instead of the golden brown coloring pictured above).
I bake our loaves at 365 for about 30-45 minutes. I kept taking them out to brush more egg white on them and really get the golden brown effect. This way your bread is crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
This also allows the bread to warm up with out getting burned.
Try this recipe you will not be disappointed!
