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Crusty Homemade French Bread Recipe

Close-up of the airy, white interior (crumb) of a freshly baked French bread loaf dusted with flour.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home. This recipe delivers a loaf with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior, perfect for serving with soup or salad. It is designed to be straightforward for home bakers.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together.
  2. Add the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. You do not need to knead this dough extensively.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces.
  5. Shape each piece into a long, narrow loaf, similar to a baguette.
  6. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let them rest for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  8. Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with olive oil. Score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife.
  9. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack and quickly shut the oven door to trap the steam.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, skip adding water to the bottom pan during baking.
  • If you prefer a softer, fluffier crumb, knead the dough for 5 minutes after mixing before the first rise.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/french-bread-crusty-homemade-recipe/