Print

Easy Homemade Soft and Crusty French Bread

Close-up of a freshly baked french bread loaf, sliced open to show the soft, airy interior crumb and golden crust.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple recipe for making soft, fluffy French bread at home with a desirable crusty exterior, suitable for beginners.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the olive oil.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
  7. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  8. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a long, even loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for a second rise for 20 minutes.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
  11. Brush the top of the loaf lightly with the beaten egg white. Make three diagonal slashes across the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a chewier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for sandwiches.

Nutrition

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