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Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe for Soft and Crusty Loaves

Close-up of a golden-brown, crusty round loaf of homemade french bread dusted with flour.
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You can make amazing, truly soft fluffy French bread at home with simple ingredients. This easy step-by-step recipe guides you to a golden, crusty loaf perfect for dinner or sandwiches, ready in under two hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for wash)
  • 1 teaspoon water (for wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows your yeast is active—give yourself a high-five for starting right!
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon 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. You are building structure now; feel that dough firm up!
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Patience pays off!
  5. Gently punch the dough down to release the air. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long.
  6. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let them rest for a second rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to hold water for steam.
  8. Mix the egg white and 1 teaspoon of water to create the egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the wash. Score the tops of the loaves with three diagonal cuts using a sharp knife.
  9. Carefully pour about 1/2 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, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy that bakery style crunch!

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, you can lightly spritz the loaves with water every five minutes during the first 15 minutes of baking.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash entirely.
  • This recipe is great for making bread for sandwiches or serving alongside dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/easy-homemade-french-bread-recipe/