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Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe for Soft and Crusty Loaves

A split image showing a whole loaf of golden french bread next to slices revealing the soft, airy interior.
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You can make amazing, truly soft fluffy French bread at home with simple ingredients. This easy step-by-step recipe delivers bakery-style loaves perfect for dinner or sandwiches, ready in under two hours.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You are looking for a soft, slightly tacky dough.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled 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. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, even loaf, similar to a baguette shape.
  6. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rest for a second rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a better crust.
  8. Mix the egg white and 1 teaspoon of water to create the egg wash. Brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the wash.
  9. Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade French bread!

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating and pour 1/2 cup of hot water into it just as you place the bread in the oven to create steam.
  • If you want a quicker result, look for a one hour French bread recipe, but this slightly longer rise time helps achieve a softer, fluffier interior crumb.
  • This tender crumb bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving alongside soup for dinner.

Nutrition

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