Easy Homemade French Bread with Garlic Butter Spread

 

I have this problem. When I go to restaurants I find myself unable to resist the warm soft rolls and bread that they serve on the table. Seriously, I can eat a whole basket by myself if I am not careful!!! What is it about warm, freshly made bread that makes me go crazy? If you give me a soft, spreadable butter to go with it… Well, that is it! I am done for! Might as well NOT order anything off the menu. I will be eating bread. Just bread. Is that acceptable? 

This homemade french bread is soooooo easy and well, on the addictive scale…. It’s a TEN! I think sometimes bread seems like too complicated and too much work. But truly, once you get the feel of kneading bread and smell fresh bread baking in your oven you will be making it ALL THE TIME! 

I love this recipe. It makes four medium size loafs. They are the perfect size for making a beautiful overstuffed sandwich, a yummy panini, french bread pizza, or just with a smear of my simple garlic butter. Whip up the garlic butter and serve at room temperature with the bread at dinner time. 

WARNING:  this garlic butter spread is very addicting! You may find yourself standing at the counter spreading butter on piece after piece with your husband and suddenly a loaf and a half are gone. (I’m just saying…It could happen.)

FRENCH BREAD INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/2 cup Warm Water
• 1 1/2 tbsp Instant Yeast
• 1 1/2 tbsp Sugar
• 6 cups Flour
• 2 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cups Water
• 1 egg white

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine 1/2 cup warm water, yeast, & sugar in a small bowl. Stir to dissolve. Allow to proof for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, & olive oil.
3. Pour in water and proofed yeast mixture.
4. Stir until you can no longer stir and dough ball begins to form. 
5. Dump dough onto a flour surfaced and knead.
6. Knead dough for 5 minutes adding a little flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to your hands. 
7. Place dough on a generously floured surface and cover with a towel. 
8. Let rise for one hour. Knead the dough 3 times during that hour.
9. Divide dough into 3-4 sections. Form into loaves.
10. Place loaves on sheet pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
11. Use a sharp knife to slice lines into loaves.
12. Brush with egg white.
13. Bake at 425˚ for 10 minutes. Then 375˚ for 15-20 minutes.

GARLIC BUTTER SPREAD

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 tsp Poultry Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 heaping tbsp chopped Garlic
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended. Spread on bread and ENJOY!!!!

If you have never made homemade bread, you have to try it! It really is so easy. And the results are totally worth it. Oh, and I forgot to mention… Homemade bread is really cheap to make! Literally pennies! Here is the whole recipe in less than 60 seconds!

Happy Eating,
Keikilani

What is your favorite bread and spread?