Next time you need a quick-to-prepare french bread, try this favorite go-to recipe for Crusty French Bread. Not only is it mouthwatering right out of the oven, it’s denser than airy store-bought french bread, so garlic butter doesn’t seep through to make it soggy. You are going to love the texture, and it only takes minutes to prepare.

Crusty French Bread

 

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Prep time

3 hours

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

3 hours 30 mins

 

Crusty french bread perfect as garlic bread, or as the base for dozens of other recipes such as focaccia.

Author: Joyce Whiting

Recipe type: Yeast Breads

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. yeast
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 Tbsp. oil
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 5-6 cups flour
• Egg white, slightly beaten

Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in ⅓ cup water. Place oil, sugar and salt in large bowl. Add boiling water. Add cold water.
2. Blend in yeast. Add flour gradually.
3. Mix well. Knead 5 min. Let rise; punch down; shape into two loaves.
4. Place on well-greased baking sheet.
5. Cut 3 diagonal cuts into top. Let rise. Brush with egg white.
6. Bake 10 min at 400 until crusty and brown. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20-30 min.
7. To serve: Spread with garlic butter: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon minced parsley, and ½ teaspoon paprika and spread over each slice. Wrap bread in foil and heat at 350 until butter is melted.

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Piping hot out of the oven and brushed with an egg white wash, this bread also makes a great table centerpiece.

How many ways can you think of to serve french bread?

Of course, you can top this simple french bread in dozens of different ways. Dust on a few sesame seeds right after you brush with egg wash. Shake on a little of your favorite Italian seasoning, or brush with garlic butter before serving.

French bread is delicious with so many different toppings, but around here, a favorite way to prepare the bread is by turning it into a french bread pizza. Click here to find some delicious options created by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman.

Another delicious option is homemade bruschetta, which is one of our go-to dishes for wedding catering. Fore this recipe, you’ll form the dough into narrow baguettes rather than full loaves.

Toasted baguettes with a topping of olives and a second layer of fresh tomatoes with basil seasoning. Photo: McKenzie Deakins

Of course, you can also simply pair it with your favorite Sunday Meal for a quick but delicious dinner. Feel free to substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour as well if you want a little more whole grain in your life.