French Bread

4.5
(1,347)

This French bread recipe yields hot, fresh loaves with a crisp, crunchy crust and slightly chewy center. This bread is as traditional as the bread served in France.

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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr 45 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
30
Yield:
2 large loaves

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ½ (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

  • 1 egg white

  • 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  1. Grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Set aside.

  2. Combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in 2 cups warm water; beat with the dough hook attachment until blended. Continue adding remaining flour, a little at a time, until incorporated.

  3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

  4. Punch dough down and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

  5. Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.

  6. Place loaves, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over loaves. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.

  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  8. Use a sharp knife to make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts, about 1/4-inch deep, across top of each loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Brush loaves with egg white mixture. Continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) or loaves sound hollow when tapped, 15 to 20 minutes more. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

  9. Remove loaves from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

94 Calories
0g Fat
20g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 30
Calories 94
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 119mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 3g
Calcium 5mg 0%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 41mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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