Easy French Bread(2 Loaves)
Enjoy warm, crusty French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Great for bread lovers and casual bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water.
- Combine sugar, oil, salt, and 2 cups boiling water; cool to lukewarm.
- Add yeast mixture to the cooled water mixture.
- Stir in flour to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half.
- On a floured surface, roll each half into a 12 x 15-inch rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle starting at the 15-inch edge and place on greased cookie sheets.
- Make 4 or 5 diagonal slashes across the tops of the loaves.
- Let the loaves rise until they double in size.
- Mix beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of milk and brush on the loaves.
- Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer crust, try covering the loaves with a damp cloth while they rise and cool. If you don’t have dry yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast—just activate it in warm water with sugar first. Additionally, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French bread warm with butter or olive oil for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Orange Pineapple Zucchini Marmalade for a sweet touch. This bread also makes excellent sandwiches or can be served alongside soups and salads for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel to maintain its crust. For longer storage, freeze the loaves in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy French Bread(2 Loaves) contains roughly 1911 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 201g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that it may result in denser bread. A good ratio to start with is 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you're using warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) for activation. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a warm area, like an oven that’s turned off but has the light on, to encourage rising.
How can I add flavor to the bread?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like minced garlic, herbs, or even cheese to the dough. Alternatively, brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling with sea salt before baking can provide a delicious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).