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Easy Homemade Soft and Crusty French Bread (Ready in Under 2 Hours)

A freshly baked, golden brown loaf of homemade french bread resting on a wooden cutting board.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home. This recipe delivers a soft, fluffy interior and a satisfyingly crusty exterior using simple ingredients and straightforward steps perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.
  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. It should spring back when lightly poked.
  4. Lightly oil a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 75 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces.
  7. Shape each piece into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long. You can gently roll the dough to create a slightly tapered end, similar to a baguette shape.
  8. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel. Let them rest for 20 minutes. This is the second rise.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven preheats to create steam for a better crust.
  10. Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the beaten egg white. Use a sharp knife to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  11. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the loaves are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  13. Transfer the finished French bread loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, you can lightly spritz the loaves with water every five minutes during the first 15 minutes of baking instead of using the egg wash.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and the steam pan entirely.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for hearty sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/easy-french-bread-soft-crusty-recipe/