In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup warm water, 1½ tablespoons quick rise yeast, and ½ teaspoon sugar.After mixing together, let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it rises and is bubbly.
Add 6 cups flour, 2¼ teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 cups of water to a large mixing bowl.
Once it’s bubbly, combine your yeast mixture with the flour mixture. Mix together until you can roll the dough easily into a ball with your hands without it sticking.
Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into your Instant Pot. Place the dough inside of the pot and select the Yogurt setting. Roll the dough around in the oil so it will not stick to the pot.
The dough will rise for the next 40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, you need to open the Instant Pot to knead the dough.Replace the lid each time after you knead.
Once 40 minutes is up, your dough will be ready to transfer to a surface coated with flour. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Cut your dough in half.
Shape each loaf and score the tops of each one using a knife.
Brush an egg wash (1 egg white) over the top of each loaf.
Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F. At the 10 minute mark, turn the temperature down to 375°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove, serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
To make it easier, set timers for the 10 minute, 20 minute, and 30 minute mark to remember to knead your dough in the Instant Pot.
This will make two large loaves of French bread. Cut your dough into four sections if you would like four smaller loaves.
Brushing the egg white over the top of each loaf is an important step that will help it brown and crisp up in the oven.