Description
A simple recipe for making soft, fluffy French bread with a desirable crusty exterior at home, suitable for beginners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 egg white (for wash)
Instructions
- Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough. Divide it in half. Shape each half into a long, even loaf shape (like a baguette).
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the beaten egg white. Score the tops of the loaves with three diagonal cuts using a sharp knife.
- Carefully pour 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Quickly close the oven door.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and simply brush the tops with water before baking.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 31
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0