Perfect Homemade French Bread

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1 1/2 tablespoons instant dry yeast, 2 cups warm water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and about 4 to 4 1/2 cups of flour. Knead on a slow speed until the flour has started to combine. Increase speed to medium and gradually add in remaining flour, just until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The exact amount of flour you need varies based on a variety of factors. You should have a soft pliable dough that is tacky, but not sticky to the touch.

2. Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.

3. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up tightly from the long end. Place onto a lightly greased baking sheet or into a French bread pan. Cover and let rise 30 to 45 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees and use a fork or whisk to beat 1 large egg in a small bowl.
5. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slashes on the top of each bread loaf, about 1/4 inch deep. Brush loaves with beaten egg.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.