Homemade French Bread

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg white

Steps

1. 1

   Combine sugar and 1 cup warm water in a bowl. Stir in yeast and let stand 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in salt and 2 cups of flour. Continue adding flour a bit at a time to form a stiff dough. Knead until about 5 minutes (or use a dough hook on a stand mixer per notes below).

3. 3

   Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled. Punch dough down and let rise 30 minutes more.

4. 4

   Roll dough into a 14"x10" square and roll up jelly roll style to create a 14"x2.5" loaf. Place on a parchment lined pan seam side down. Using a sharp knife, cut 3-4 diagonal slits into the loaf (about ¼" deep).

5. 5

   Cover with a damp towel and let rise 30-40 minutes or until doubled. Brush bread with egg white. Preheat oven to 425°F.

6. 6

   Place in the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until browned. Cool on a baking rack.