French Bread(Easy)
This classic French bread features a crispy crust and tender interior, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add yeast to very warm water and mix well in a large bowl.
- Add salt and melted margarine or oil; mix.
- Add all 7 cups of flour at once.
- Mix well with a spoon or by hand.
- Dough will be somewhat sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl.
- Do not knead the dough.
- Let rise until doubled in bulk.
- Punch down and divide into 2 portions.
- Roll each portion into a rectangle.
- Starting at the long side, roll up into a loaf and tuck ends under.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Let rise until doubled and brush tops with the egg white mixture.
- Bake at 450°F until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you run out of yeast, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon vinegar for each packet of yeast. To enhance flavor, add herbs or garlic to the dough. Remember to let the dough rise in a warm place for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this French bread warm with butter or alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Macaroni And Cheese(Newfie Style) for a comforting meal. You can also make delicious sandwiches or use it to soak up sauces from main dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crustiness and freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread(Easy) contains roughly 1441 calories, with 36g protein, 270g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), potassium (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % 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 some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why is my bread not rising as expected?
Bread may not rise properly if the yeast is expired or if the water was too hot or too cold. Ensure the water temperature is within the 105°F to 115°F range for optimal yeast activation. Also, make sure to let it rise in a warm environment, away from drafts.
How can I add flavor to the French bread?
You can enhance the flavor of your French bread by adding ingredients such as minced garlic, chopped herbs, or even grated cheese to the dough. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
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).