Ranch French Bread

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

4 loaves (14 slices each)

Updated: Oct. 13, 2022
Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these lovely loaves get a fun flavor boost from ranch dressing. One slice always prompts a second helping or more, so this bread never lasts long.—Cherri Schmidt, Grand Island, Nebraska

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 2 cups warm buttermilk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 to 2 envelopes original ranch salad dressing mix
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 8 to 9 cups all-purpose flour
  • Additional butter, melted

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the buttermilk, butter, sugar, eggs, ranch dressing mix, salt and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into fourths. Roll each portion into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal and tuck ends under. Place seam side down on two greased baking sheets. With a sharp knife, make five shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 95 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.