Easy Homemade French Bread
This is a fairly simple recipe that creates a delicious homemade french bread!
This one has been being made in my kitchen for years and several houses. This french bread recipe makes a great bread to go along with dinner. You could also turn it into French Bread Pizzas and Sandwiches!
Interested in making pizza? Try my Semi Famous Pizza Sauce!
Sandwiches? Don’t forget the Sprouts!
Ingredients:Â
- 1 1/4 cup warm water (80-90 degrees)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt <– I love Redmond’s Real Salt
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups flour *see note below
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Directions:
- Warm up the water in a pot on the stove to 110 Degrees F, turn off the heat. Stir in the Yeast & Sugar until completely dissolved. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll start to see the yeast activate, this is called proofing. This way you’ll know the yeast is still good. Don’t worry if you don’t see a ton of action, with this much water it won’t be as obvious.
- In a kitchen aid (or bowl) measure out 3 cups of flour and add the salt. Pour in the activated yeast & water into the bowl or kitchen aid.
- Stir to mix.
- If in the kitchen aid mix using the dough hook for 5 minutes, if using a bowl. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Set your timer for 1 hour and allow it to rise.
- Plop the risen dough onto a lightly floured counter and divide into half. I love using my dough scraper
- Using your hands press each half into about a 10″ x 8″ rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle starting with a long side.
- Place the loaves onto a greased baking sheet- I love using these USA Pans with the seam side DOWN.
- Allow to rise for approx 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375 Degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Using a pastry brush, brush on butter after you pull it out of the oven. Cool down on wire racks
Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from the Prairie Homestead
