The BEST Homemade Bakery French Bread

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier with good fats.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough adds depth of flavor.

In a small bowl, dissolve your yeast in ½ cup warm water. Make sure that your water is warm (not too cold, not too hot). Let proof for 10 minutes.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour and mix together. Add the yeast mixture to a bowl.

Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Watch for it to start pulling away from the bowl to know it's ready. Once all of the flour is added, let sit for 10 minutes.

Separate your dough into 3 pieces. On a floured surface roll each piece into a 9x12 rectangle. Roll it up like a jelly roll. Shape into a french bread loaf and smooth out edges.

Place the dough on a greased baking pan or a Silpat, seam side down. Using a knife, make 3-4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch thick in bread. Brush with your beaten egg.

Let dough rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens