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5 from 2 votes

Easy Homemade French Bread

This easy French bread is perfectly soft with a deliciously chewy crust!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting time2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 2 loaves
Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 Tbsp. yeast
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 Tbsp. shortening
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 7 to 7 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten and mixed with 1 tbsp. water

Instructions

  • Mix ½ c. water, yeast and sugar.  Set aside.
  • Add shortening and salt to 2 c. hot water; cool until lukewarm.  Add yeast mixture then gradually add flour until soft dough.
  • Knead until smooth, about 10 to 12 minutes.  (I use my Bosch mixer to do this.)
  • Place in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, let rise until doubled.
  • Divide in half.  Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
  • Shape loaves into narrow rolls, the length of the sheet. Slash top several times with sharp knife.  (I do this about 4 different spots across the loaf.)
  • Brush with egg white/water mixture.
  • Let rise until double.
  • Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned, brushing with egg white/water mixture after 15 minutes of baking.