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

A close-up of a round, golden-brown loaf of homemade french bread with a beautifully scored, cracked crust dusted with flour.
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Bake delicious homemade French bread fast. This simple recipe delivers soft, golden loaves with a crusty exterior, perfect for dinner or sandwiches. Achieve bakery-style bread with basic ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean 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 dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long, even loaf, about 14 to 16 inches long.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
  8. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for a second rise for 20 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) about 15 minutes before the second rise finishes. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  10. Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
  11. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, spray the loaf lightly with water halfway through the baking time.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the steam pan step entirely.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with butter or used for hearty sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/easy-homemade-french-bread-soft-crusty/