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

Close-up of freshly baked French bread cut in half, showing the soft white interior crumb cooling on a wire rack.
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You can make bakery-style French bread at home with this simple recipe. It yields soft, fluffy loaves with a satisfyingly crusty exterior, perfect as a dinner side or for sandwiches. This recipe is straightforward for beginners and respects your busy schedule.

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
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 egg white, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes, adding the remaining flour only if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean 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 into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, even loaf, about 14 inches long. Place the shaped loaves on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the loaves loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of this rise.
  7. Score and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the egg white wash. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool: Transfer the finished French bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating the oven and pour 1 cup of hot water into it right before you put the bread in to create steam.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and simply mist the loaves with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving with dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/easy-french-bread-soft-crusty-recipe/