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Easy Homemade French Bread for a Soft, Crusty Loaf

A loaf of golden-crusted French bread, sliced open to show the airy interior, resting on a wire cooling rack.
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You can bake bakery-style French bread at home! This simple recipe delivers soft, fluffy loaves with a satisfyingly crusty exterior, perfect for dinner or sandwiches. It is easier than you think.

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)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 egg white, beaten lightly (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece into a long, even loaf shape, similar to a baguette or standard French loaf.
  6. Second rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured surface dusted with cornmeal. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat and prepare: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  8. Score and wash: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three or four diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg white for a shiny, crusty exterior.
  9. Bake: Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door. Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool: Transfer the baked French bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, you can spray the sides of the oven with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash step entirely.
  • This dough is great for making dinner rolls; just divide it into smaller pieces before the second rise.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/easy-homemade-french-bread-soft-crusty-loaf/