Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe

Step 1

Begin by combining warm water, yeast and granulated sugar in a glass measure. Set aside to allow the yeast to proof for about 5 min. or so.

Step 2

In a bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attached, add the flour and salt. Turn machine on to combine the two ingredients.

Step 3

With machine running and dough hook attached, slowly pour in yeast water mixture. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are combined. Then let the dough hook kneed the dough until it is soft and elastic. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

Step 4

Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Cut dough in half, creating two 8x12 inch rectangles. Roll up each half of dough tightly, beginning at 12 inch side, pounding out any air bubbles as you go. Roll gently back and forth to taper end. Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Make deep diagonal slashes across loaves every 2 inches, or make one lengthwise slash on each loaf. Lightly cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the egg yolk and 1 TBS of water together. Lightly brush loaves with egg mixture.

Step 6

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until loaves are golden brown.