Homemade French Bread

• servings: Servings: 32
• active time: 1 hr 10 mins
• total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

**COMBINE:

2 cups warm water (about 110°F)

1 Tablespoon active dry yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

**MIX**

5-6 cups flour

2 teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

PREHEAT: Bake to 400°F. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until it has begin to foam.

2. Place 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl with the salt.

3. Stir in the yeast mixture and begin to knead .

4. Add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour at a time until the dough is smooth but not sticky. Rub the olive oil around the dough ball and let rest for 15 minutes.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it in half. Roll one half into a rectangle. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder. Turn both ends in and pinch the seams closed. Round the edges and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough ball. Let rise for 30-45 minutes. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf.

Brush the top with melted butter if desired. Slice and enjoy! :)

Notes

For a crispier/shinier crust, brush 1 egg white (whisked) with a teaspoon of water before baking french bread loaf.