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Easy Homemade French Bread: Soft, Fluffy & Crusty in Under 2 Hours

A golden-brown, freshly baked loaf of french bread resting on a white and chrome cooling rack.
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Learn the simple steps to make bakery-style French bread at home. This recipe delivers a loaf with a crackly crust and a soft, fluffy interior, ready in less than two hours. It is perfect for beginners and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This confirms the yeast is active.
  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. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once 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 to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal pieces.
  7. Shape each piece into a long, narrow loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long. Place the shaped loaves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Cover the loaves loosely and let them rest for a second rise for 20 minutes. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to hold water for steam.
  9. Mix the beaten egg white with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the loaves evenly with the wash.
  10. Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  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 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  13. Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, place a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven while preheating.
  • If you do not have a shallow pan for steam, you can spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for sharing or freezing one for later.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/easy-crusty-french-bread-recipe/