This bread is so fast and easy to make. No kneading, a great starter bread for anyone wanting to get into homemade bread baking!
I stumbled on this recipe while looking for a fast bread to use for Fondue.
Hubby and I love fondue but haven’t had it in years.
And we own 2 fondue pots.
And 3 different fondue cookbooks.
I really don’t know why it’s been so long. It’s not hard to make.
And all those fresh veggies, dipped in that warm, gooey, cheese, there’s nothing better.
The kids are all old enough to dip for themselves, no double dipping allowed, so I can enjoy just feeding myself.
Can’t wait to introduce them to chocolate fondue next!
Crusty French Bread
adapted from Taste of Home
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon shortening, melted (or butter or olive oil)
4-5 cups all purpose flour
cornmeal
Combine yeast and 1/2 cup warm water in mixing bowl, stir till yeast is dissolved.
Add sugar, shortening, remaining water and 2 cup of flour. (If you scoop flour into your measuring cup instead of dipping measuring cup into your flour, you will get a more accurate measurement. Breads, cakes and cookies will be lighter.)
Mix till blended, I used the paddle attachment on my mixer. Add salt and 2 more cups of flour, mix again till combined. Add more flour till a soft dough ball forms.
Remove paddle from mixer and cover bowl to rise for about an hour, until doubled in size.
Remove dough from bowl onto floured surface and divide into two pieces.
let dough rest for 10 minutes.
Roll each piece into a rectangle and roll from long side into a log.
Tuck ends under and place seam side down on a greased tray dusted with corn meal.
Cover loaves with dish cloth and let rise till doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place 2-3 slits in tops of loaves with a sharp knife.
Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden and when thumped it sounds hollow. Remove to racks to cool completely or let rest for 10 minutes and serve warm.
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I’ve linked up at Weekend Potluck, Dwell on Friday, It’s a Keeper Thursday, Thursday’s treasures, Fit and Fabulous Fridays
Kristen says
That loaf of bread looks delicious. There is nothing like homemade bread fresh out of the oven.
Lesa @Edesias Notebook says
I would love to try this. Your first paragraph is about me. I used to have a fear of yeast, but recently mastered pizza dough. I think I will be ready to move on to bread sometime soon. This looks like a great starter recipe.
Joan@chocolateandmore says
Lesa, this is a good one to start with, I’ve made it 4 times now and it’s so user friendly. And the taste is wonderful!
Sarah says
I definitely have to start making homemade bread! This looks really good! Thanks for sharing at Dwell on Friday!
Robyn says
Joan
Your recipe looks very similar to the one I use. I found it at TOH.
Must love crusty french bread that is easy to make!
Enjoy your weekend.
The Daily Smash says
Yummy I love fondue as well. And this bread looks amazing… Thanks so much for sharing
AndiWinslow says
oh golly, think I may have to try this recipe also. warm hot bread nothing better…..andi
Joan@chocolateandmore says
Andi, this recipe is definitely a keeper.
Debi says
Yes, I want this bread! I’ll have to make it soon. Thank you so much for the recipe Sweets! <3 and hugs!
Joan@chocolateandmore says
Debi, this is an easy one, for sure!
Amee says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful bread loaf on Fit and Fabulous Fridays!! Come back again! 🙂
From Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
Success! I am keeping this recipe. I can say that I have successfully made a crusty bread! Thanks for sharing this and the new one you posted today 🙂
Joan@chocolateandmore says
So glad! I hope you’ll post about it so I can see!
GiadasMama says
do i need to use a mixer to make this dough? i dont have a kitchen aid:(
also i would love to make a bunch and freeze it before baking. would you freeze it before letting it rise?