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

A golden-brown, freshly baked French bread loaf, one half sliced to show the soft interior crumb.
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Bake delicious homemade French bread fast! This simple recipe delivers soft, golden loaves with a satisfyingly crusty exterior, perfect for dinner or sandwiches. It is much easier than you think to get this bakery-style result.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the 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 about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the 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 75 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.
  6. Second rise (Proofing): 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 rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. While they proof, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Create steam and score: Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the beaten egg white. Using a very sharp knife or razor blade, make three diagonal cuts (about 1/2 inch deep) across the top of each loaf. Place a shallow pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam for a crusty exterior.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Transfer the baked French bread to a wire rack immediately to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your fresh baked bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, lightly spritz the inside of your oven with water during the first 5 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and simply place an empty metal pan in the oven while preheating, then pour hot water into the pan right before you put the bread in to bake.
  • This bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving alongside soup.

Nutrition

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