Homemade French Bread

Andrew asked for homemade French bread to go along with his Fettuccine Alfredo and so homemade French bread we had!

I make this recipe in my bread machine so it is super simple and super easy. It ALWAYS tastes great and makes such a pretty loaf of bread. It is not a quick recipe (it has to rise 3 times) so you will need to start it in the afternoon if you are wanting it for dinner.

Homemade French Bread

French Bread

Source: Taste of Home Cookbook page 452

Course: Breads

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 3 ¹⁄₄ cups bread flour
• 2 ¹⁄₄ teaspoons yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar heaping
• 3 teaspoons wheat gluten optional
• Cornmeal
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon cold water

Directions

Add water, vegetable oil, salt, flour, sugar, yeast, and wheat gluten to the pan of the bread machine. Set machine on homemade cycle: 15 minutes preheat, 10 minutes knead, Rise 1: 60 minutes, Rise 2: 30 minutes.

Punch down dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a loaf 16-inch x 2 1/2-inch with tapered ends. Sprinkle baking stone with cornmeal; place loaf on stone. Place in microwave and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes. I ALWAYS LET MY BREAD RISE IN THE MICROWAVE!

Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough. With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes 2-inches apart across top of loaf.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

 

Can be used to make breadsticks, that are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic powder.

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Verdict:

This is my go to French Bread recipe for when I'm making just plain French bread. The bread is quick and easy and tastes amazing!
Because this is homemade without a lot of preservatives added in the bread will not stay fresh for long so keep that in mind. I usually store the leftovers in the refrigerator. If it does go stale before you eat it all use it to make French toast! 
I have not made the breadsticks yet but I am planning on making them soon.