Simple, Versatile French Bread

French Bread is quick and easy to make, and is so versatile.  Try it for the recipes below, and let your imagination create new ways to use it.  It is great for calzones, pizza dough, scones, french bread pizza, garlic bread,  cinnamon bread, breadsticks, etc.  This is the French Bread I used for the recipes below. 

            Simple French Bread    Recipe Printable

2 ½ cups warm water

2 T Instant yeast

2-3 T sugar

1 T salt

5-6 cups flour (good quality, makes a huge difference)

Combine water, yeast, 5 cups flour, salt and sugar.  Mix well.  Cover with warm towel and let sit 5 minutes.  Pour onto well floured surface, and mix in ½ to 1 cup more flour,  kneading 5-7 minutes until smooth.  Place in greased bowl and cover to raise until double.  

When doubled in size, preheat oven to 425 and divide into 2 equal portions, shape into long loaves, and place on greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper) covered with cornmeal.  Make 4 slashes, diagonally on top.  Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.  Let rise to double, bake 25 minutes.  If tops get too brown, Place a sheet of foil on top the last 10 minutes of baking so it won't burn.