Home-Style French Bread
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes active dry yeast (1/4-ounce each)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
- 1 0.5 tbsp salt
- 5 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp yellow cornmeal
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Instructions
- 1
In an electric mixer with a dough hook, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Mix for 2 minutes to dissolve the yeast.
- 2
Add the salt and flour. Mix on low until the dough starts to come together, then increase speed to medium-high until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl.
- 3
Grease a mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
- 4
Invert the dough onto a heavily floured surface. Divide into 2 equal portions. Pat each into a large rectangle about 3/4-inch thick.
- 5
Roll up each portion from the short side, pressing the edge of the roll firmly into the flat sheet to seal after each full turn.
- 6
Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal. Place the loaves seam-side down on the sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- 7
Brush the tops with the egg wash. Score the tops diagonally with a sharp knife.
- 8
Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.