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

Close-up of a golden brown, crusty loaf of homemade french bread resting on a wire cooling rack.
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Learn the simple secrets to making amazing bakery-style French bread at home. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers a loaf with a crackly crust and a perfectly soft, fluffy interior, ready in less than two hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon 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, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  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 kitchen 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 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 and let them rise for 30 minutes. While the dough rests, place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Create steam 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 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. This helps achieve the crusty exterior.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Transfer the baked French bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this bakery style bread warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • To get that shatteringly crisp crust, the steam in the oven is important. Do not skip adding hot water to the pan during the first part of the bake.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and bake without adding water to the bottom pan.
  • This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for sandwiches or dipping in soup.

Nutrition

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