Easy Homemade French Bread

In the bowl of your stand mixer, pour warm water (110-115ºF) and sprinkle in rapid rise yeast. Let the yeast bloom for 5 minutes. Grease a large bowl with olive oil.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl measure and mix the flour with the kosher salt.

Stir the flour into the yeast-water until just combined. Using a dough hook, mix until the dough is smooth and tacky.

Form the dough in to a ball and toss it in the oiled bowl. Roll the dough to coat with oil. Place a damp towel over top and place the bowl in a warm area to rise and double in size.

Punch down, form into a long log and place on a lined baking sheet. Slide into an cool, un-preheated oven. Set and preheat the oven to 375ºF (while the loaf is in the oven) and set the timer for 30-35 minutes total. The bread will rise and bake during this time.

This French bread makes excellent French bread pizzas!