Easy Soft French Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Add sugar, warm water, then yeast into mixing bowl. Let yeast prove.
• Add rest of ingredients, kneading while adding flour one or two cups at a time.
• Knead for 5 minutes.
• Let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
• Knead the dough down.
• Split into two sections.
• Using rolling pin, one at a time flatten each section into a large rectangle (about 17"x 9").
• Roll the dough up to make a long loaf. Pinch the seam closed and turn the ends under.
• Place the two loaves on separate large cookie sheets, seams down (I lay it diagonally), cover with a light dishtowel, and let rise another hour.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Add the yeast to the water in a medium-large bowl, then sprinkle the sugar over the top of it.
• Let it sit for five minutes or so, or until the yeast mixture looks frothy on top.
• Stir in the salt, oil, and flour.
• Put a bowl of water in the microwave and heat it for a couple of minutes.
• Knead the dough until it's smooth, and comes away from the sides of the bowl easily. Add a bit more flour if it's sticky.
• Remove the water from the microwave and put in the dough. Let the dough rise in the microwave, door closed, for 15-30 minutes, until dough is almost doubled in size. (it was only about 1 1/2 times bigger for me, and was awesome!).
• Now remove the dough and divide into two equal balls. Roll into rectangles, and then roll up, jelly roll style. Place both loaves next to each other ion lightly greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise while you heat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake both loaves for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
• EAT!