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Easy Homemade French Bread: Crusty Outside, Fluffy Inside in Under 2 Hours

Two golden brown loaves of homemade french bread, one whole and one sliced open showing the airy interior crumb.
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Discover the simple secrets to making bakery-style French bread at home. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers a loaf with a crackly crust and a soft, airy interior, ready in less than two hours.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows your 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 spring back slightly when poked.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. 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 spot 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. For a classic look, gently roll the dough into a tight cylinder.
  6. Second rise: 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. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this time. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to hold water for steam.
  7. Score and bake: Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the egg white wash. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three or four diagonal slashes (scores) across the top of each loaf.
  8. Create steam and bake: Carefully pour 1 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 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool: Transfer the finished French bread loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, spray the inside walls of the oven with water twice during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, skip the egg wash and simply place a pan of ice cubes on the bottom rack instead of hot water.
  • This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for serving with soup or making sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/easy-french-bread-crusty-fluffy-recipe/