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Easy French Bread

Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 6 cups flour

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients, adding only 3 cups of flour to start, in a large mixing bowl. Mix until incorporated. Add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, give the dough one quick knead then cover and let it sit an additional 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, quickly knead the dough again and cover and let it rise again for 10 minutes. Repeat this process until the dough has risen 5 times.
  • Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll the dough up tightly, to form a loaf, and pinch the seam together. Fold each end into the seam.
  • Place both loaves, seam down, onto a greased jelly roll pan and make 3-4 slashes on top of the dough.
  • Cover the loaves with a clean dish towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
  • Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature is 190 degrees F.
  • Allow the loaves to cool on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
  • Slice and enjoy!