Foolproof French Bread
Serves 1
Directions
- 1Mix water with yeast and sugar in a small bowl. If using active dry yeast, let the mixture bloom for 10 minutes.
- 2Add the yeast mixture to a mixer bowl and add flour and salt.
- 3Mix well with a dough hook until the dough is no longer sticky and coats the hook. Add more flour or water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- 4Grease the mixer bowl with cooking spray, transfer the dough back into it, and let it rise covered for 20 minutes.
- 5Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a long log, and place it diagonally across a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- 6Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- 7Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- 8Using a sharp knife, make several deep slashes across the top of the loaf.
- 9Whisk the egg yolk and heavy cream together to make an optional egg wash. Brush the mixture over the top of the loaf.
- 10Bake the bread at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and shiny.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 4-4.5 cup flour
- 1 spray cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 whole egg yolk (optional)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
