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

Close-up of a freshly baked french bread loaf cut in half, showing the airy interior crumb, resting on a wire rack.
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Make soft, fluffy French bread at home with a satisfyingly crusty exterior. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and guides you through the steps for a delicious loaf perfect as a dinner side or for sandwiches.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the salt, olive oil, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour only if the dough is too sticky to handle. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long.
  6. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of this rise.
  7. Prepare for baking: Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the egg white wash. If you want a crispier crust, use a sharp knife to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Transfer the baked French bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a chewier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while preheating to create steam.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and simply brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
  • This homemade French bread is best eaten the day it is baked.

Nutrition

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