French bread dough is one of my favorite doughs to work with and is so versatile for almost anything. It is easy to make, and easy to work with. I use it for pizza, Swiss Cordon Bleu bread, Italian wedge bread that can easily be made into bread sticks as well, or these easy garlic cheese buns. Anneliese's French Bread recipe is the same as mine, and she gives you more great ideas on how to use this fabulous dough. If you are new to yeast baking, may I suggest to begin by trying this recipe. I have taught this to many women over the years and is virtually fail proof.
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or whatever oil you use and have on hand
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups of hot water
- 41/2 - 5 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons quick rise yeast*
- In a large mixing bowl combine half the flour with salt, sugar and yeast.
- Add the water and oil.
- Keep adding flour until all the flour is incorporated into the dough and forms a ball.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured board or counter top and knead for several minutes until you have a soft dough that is not longer sticky.
- Cover the dough on the counter with a large enough bowl and let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Form into small balls, about 3 dozen.
- Top each ball with a cube of cheese. It can be cheddar, old or medium, that gives the best flavor, or mozza. Use what you have on hand.
- Pinch the dough around the cube of cheese to seal.
- Allow to rise on greased baking pans for another half an hour.
- Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter mixed with desired amount of garlic powder or garlic salt.
- For three dozen buns I used about 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.