... Print

Quick and Easy Crusty Homemade French Bread Recipe

A golden-brown, crusty loaf of homemade french bread resting on a metal cooling rack.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make bakery-style French bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a crackling crust and a soft, fluffy interior in under two hours, perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon 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

Instructions

  1. In a large 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. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. Lightly grease a large 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 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, narrow loaf (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 20 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven heats. This pan will hold water for steam.
  8. Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  9. Carefully pour 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 for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your fresh baked bread!

Notes

  • For an extra crackly crust, spray the inside walls of the oven with water two or three times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you do not have a stand mixer, kneading by hand for 7-10 minutes works well.
  • This recipe yields two loaves, perfect for sandwiches or serving with soup.

Nutrition

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