I'm Always Looking For Good Bread Recipes

I've already shared one of my most wonderful bread discoveries ever. You can find that post here. However, just because I found the perfect crusty bread recipe, it doesn't mean that I have given up on finding more great bread recipes.

Here's another great one I found recently. I hope you like it!

French Baguettes

Ingredients:

1 cup water
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast (or rapid rise yeast)
1 egg yorlk
1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Place 1 cup water, bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into bread machine pan in the order recommended by manufacturer. Select Dough cycle, and press start.

When the cycle has completed, place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Cut dough in half, creating two 8x12 inch rectangles. Roll up each half of dough tightly, beginning at 12 inch side, pounding out any air bubbles as you go. Roll gently back and forth to taper end. Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Make deep diagonal slashes across loaves every 2 inches, or make one lengthwise slash on each loaf. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water; brush over tops of loaves.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Source: Allrecipes.com submitted by Judy Taubert. You can find the original recipe here. Over 900 reviews and a 5 star rating.

Notes: I always, always double this recipe. So rather than making two small baguettes, I made two large loaves of French bread. So, all of the pictures you see are of the doubled recipe.

You don't need a bread machine to make this recipe either. Simply combine the water, yeast, and sugar, and allow to proof. Then add the salt and flour and knead until the dough is no longer sticky. Place in an oiled bowl and allow to rise according to the recipe instructions.

5/24/13 Update: This is the BEST French bread recipe. I will not ever need to find another. This is so easy, and it tastes so good. I LOVE it. It also makes for some fantastic sandwich bread. It tastes very similar to Subway's French bread rolls. It also makes some super awesome cinnamon toast. Practice makes perfect, and it gets easier to make each time. This bread is definitely worth it. Sooooo yummy!

Above: You can skip the egg wash, if you like. This is what your bread will look like without it. It still tastes great...the crust is a little less crispy though. Still fantastic, however!

 

Above: Did I mention that they make absolutely fantastic sandwiches?