Homemade French Bread (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups warm water (105°F).
02 - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast.
03 - 2½ teaspoons white sugar.
04 - 5 cups all-purpose or bread flour.
05 - 2½ teaspoons table or fine sea salt.
06 - 1 teaspoon olive oil.
07 - Melted salted butter for brushing (optional).

# Instructions:

01 - Mix warm water, yeast and sugar in a bowl and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Mix 2 cups flour and salt in mixer bowl, then stir in the yeast mixture.
03 - Add remaining flour gradually until dough becomes smooth but not sticky.
04 - Coat dough with olive oil, cover and let rest 15-30 minutes (up to 1 hour for better results).
05 - Split dough in half, roll each into 15-inch rectangle, roll up into cylinders and pinch seams.
06 - Make three diagonal cuts on top of each loaf.
07 - Cover loaves and let rise 30-60 minutes.
08 - Cook at 400°F for 17-23 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding.
09 - Brush with melted butter if desired and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Make crust crispier with egg wash or ice cubes in oven.
02 - Stores best in paper bag on counter.
03 - Can freeze up to 3 months.

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