Description
Bake bakery-style French bread at home with this straightforward recipe. You achieve a wonderfully crisp crust and a soft interior, perfect for serving with dinner or making sandwiches. This version is designed to be quick, getting you fresh bread in about 90 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the bowl)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise (Quick Method): 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 place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it in half. Shape each half into a long, thin loaf, similar to a baguette shape.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat and prepare steam: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven heats.
- Score and bake: Just before baking, 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 to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra crisp crust, spray the inside of the oven walls with water two or three times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a softer crust loaf, skip the steam pan and brush the tops of the loaves lightly with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
- This recipe uses simple ingredients, making it an easy French bread for beginners.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0