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The Best Homemade French Bread

A classic French bread recipe with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: French-inspired
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 1.25 cups warm water
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer or hands
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast with warm water and sugar until foamy.
  2. Mix in oil, salt, and flour to form dough.
  3. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let dough rise until doubled.
  5. Shape into loaves and rise again.
  6. Score and bake with steam until golden.

Notes

Steam in the oven helps create a crisp crust.