Simple French Bread
This Simple French Bread is the easiest loaf of bread you'll ever make!
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c water room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 c flour all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
Instructions
- If using bread machine: Layer ingredients in order given. Mix on "dough" cycle. Skip to Step 3.
- If NOT using bread machine: Combine flour and salt in mixing bowl. Combine water and yeast in small bowl. Gradually, by hand or with mixer on low speed, add yeast solution to dry ingredients. Knead for 5 - 8 minutes, until smooth and satiny. Place in oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until double (about 1 hour). Punch down.
- On a pastry board or clean countertop, roll or press dough into a rectangle (approximately 6" x 12-14"). Roll it up starting on a long side, and pinch the seam so that it won't unfurl during baking. Place dough, seam-side down, on your prepared pan, and let it rise in a warm spot in your kitchen until just about doubled (or until the dough immediately fills in the dent when it's poked) – usually 15 to 20 minutes.
- Slash the top a few times with a very sharp knife. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes. If you butter the crust right after removing it from the oven, it will stay soft. For best results, allow to cool before cutting.