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Easy Homemade French Bread: Crusty Outside, Soft Inside

A freshly baked loaf of french bread with a deeply golden, scored crust resting on a granite countertop.
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You can make bakery-style French bread at home with this simple recipe. It focuses on achieving a crackly crust and a soft, fluffy interior using basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, thin loaf (like a baguette). Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Second rise: Cover the loaves loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during this time. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to heat up for steam.
  7. Score and wash: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg white.
  8. Bake with steam: 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. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
  9. Cool: Transfer the finished French bread loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water two times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and simply brush the loaves with water before baking.
  • This recipe is great for making homemade sandwiches or serving with soup.

Nutrition

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