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Easy Homemade Soft and Crusty French Bread (Ready in Under 2 Hours)

A freshly baked loaf of homemade french bread, sliced open to show the airy crumb, resting on a wooden cutting board.
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You can make bakery-style French bread at home with this simple recipe. It yields a loaf with a soft, fluffy interior and a satisfyingly crisp crust, perfect as a dinner side or for sandwiches. This recipe is straightforward for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil 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 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft.
  4. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 75 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long, even loaf or two smaller loaves.
  7. Place the shaped loaf(ves) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a pizza stone. Cover loosely and let rest for 20 minutes. This is your second rise.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven preheats to create steam for a crusty exterior.
  9. Just before baking, slash the top of the loaf(ves) two or three times diagonally with a sharp knife. Pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip adding water to the hot pan during baking.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for homemade sandwiches.

Nutrition

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