HOW TO KEEP FRENCH BREAD SOFT RECIPES

Steps:

• Make the pesto: Heat the oven to 450 degrees with a rack in the middle position. Combine basil, 1 garlic clove and pine nuts in a food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. With the machine running, stream in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add Parmesan and salt, and pulse to combine.
• Prepare the pizza: Combine the 1/4 cup olive oil and grated garlic in a small pot over medium. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the garlic starts to sizzle (but doesn’t begin to brown), 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Place the French bread cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush cut sides with garlic oil. Bake until edges are golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Spread the pesto over the two halves all the way to the edges and top with the cheese. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is evenly melted, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to broil and broil (watch carefully!) until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots, 1 to 2 minutes more. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Top with red-pepper flakes, oregano and more Parmesan, if you like.

Steps:

• In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine lukewarm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, 5 to 8 minutes. 
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and mix on medium speed until a soft dough forms, 10 minutes. Dough will still be sticky. Transfer dough into a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled, 1 hour. 
• Punch down dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough a few times, then roll dough out into a 16"-x- 9” rectangle. Starting on a long end, roll dough into a log. Tuck ends under to seal them. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise another 45 minutes. 
• Preheat oven to 425°. Beat egg white until foamy and brush over top of loaf. Using a serrated knife, make a diagonal slice every 2 inches or so along the loaf of bread. Bake bread until bread is golden and sounds hollow when you tap on it, about 25 minutes.