Perfect Homemade French Bread

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add yeast, water, salt, and 5 cups of flour. Knead on a slow speed until the flour has started to combine. Increase speed to medium and gradually add in remaining flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2

Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up tightly from the long end. Place onto a lightly greased baking sheet or into a french bread pan. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slashes on the top of each bread loaf, about 1/4 inch deep. Brush loaves with beaten egg.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.