Print

Easy Homemade Soft and Crusty French Bread Recipe

Two golden-brown, crusty loaves of freshly baked French bread cooling on parchment paper.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to bake bakery-style French bread at home. This simple recipe delivers soft, fluffy loaves with a perfect crust, ideal for dinner or sandwiches.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small 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 the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft.
  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 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long. For a crusty exterior, you can gently taper the ends.
  6. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat and Prepare: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  8. Score and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg white. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three or four diagonal slashes (scores) across the top of each loaf.
  9. Create Steam: Carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the baking sheet with the bread into the oven.
  10. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Cool: Transfer the finished French bread loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this homemade French bread warm with butter.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, you can spray the inside walls of the oven with water twice during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and simply brush the tops with water before baking.
  • This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving alongside dinner.

Nutrition

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