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Easy Homemade Soft and Crusty French Bread

A freshly baked loaf of golden brown french bread cooling on a wire rack.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home that is soft and fluffy inside with a satisfyingly crusty exterior. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and ready in under two hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg white, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You want a soft, workable dough.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60 to 75 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise develops the flavor.
  6. Gently punch down the dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long, even loaf, about 14 inches long. For a classic look, gently roll the dough to create a slightly tighter surface.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a pizza stone. Cover loosely and let it rest for a second rise for 20 minutes.
  8. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  9. Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf evenly with the egg white wash. Use a sharp knife to make three diagonal slits (about 1/2 inch deep) across the top of the loaf.
  10. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the baking sheet with the bread into the oven.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade French bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, you can lightly spritz the loaf with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking, in addition to using the steam pan.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash entirely.
  • This bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving warm with butter alongside dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/easy-homemade-french-bread-recipe/