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Easy Homemade French Bread: Soft Inside, Crusty Outside

Close-up of a freshly baked french bread loaf with one slice cut, showing the soft, airy interior crumb.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home with this simple recipe. You get a soft, fluffy interior and a satisfyingly crusty exterior, perfect for dinner or sandwiches. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready fast.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the bowl)
  • 1 egg white (for brushing)
  • Water (for steaming)

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 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt 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 6 to 8 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour only if the dough is too sticky to handle. You want a smooth, elastic dough.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean 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 spot 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. Shape each piece into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long. Place the shaped loaves on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  6. Second rise: Cover the loaves loosely and let them rest for 30 minutes. While they rest, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while preheating to create steam later.
  7. Prepare for baking: 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 (about 1/2 inch deep) across the top of each loaf.
  8. Bake with steam: Carefully pour about 1 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Immediately place the baking sheets with the bread into the oven.
  9. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool: Transfer the finished French bread loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade French bread!

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a baking stone instead of a baking sheet and place it in the oven during preheating.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and simply mist the loaves with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving alongside soup for dinner.

Nutrition

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