Homemade Soft French Bread

In the bowl of mixer add hot water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to sit until yeast is activated and bubbly.

Add salt and and oil. Mix together using the dough hook of your mixer. Add 3 cups all purpose flour and mix on low until mixture begins to combine.

Add 3 more cups of flour, one cup at a time, until dough begins to cling to hook and dough pulls away from the sides of bowl.

Place dough on floured surface and knead 5-8 times till outside of dough is smooth. Place in well oiled bowl and turn oil side up. Cover and allow dough to rise until double in size. About 30 minutes.

Punch dough down and cut in half. Roll one half of dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Roll dough from one long side to the other. Pinch ends and fold under. Repeat for second loaf. Shape dough into even loaves and place on silicone or parchment lined baking sheet.

Cut three slits about 2 1/2 inch long along the top of each loaf. Cover loaves and allow to rise 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°.

Place loaves in oven and bake for 25 minutes until bread is golden brown and crusty on top. Brush baked loaves with butter for a softer loaf of bread. Allow to cool slightly and serve.