Description
This Easy French Bread Recipe yields a delicious, crusty loaf with a soft interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or enjoying on its own! The recipe features simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it approachable for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 0.5 tablespoon yeast (preferably Red Star for consistent results)
- 0.5 tablespoon white sugar
- 1.25 cups warm water (between 100-110°F)
Dough Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 to 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 large egg (beaten with a splash of water)
- kosher salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large standing mixer bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water (heated to 100-110°F). Stir gently with a spatula and let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add Flour: Add kosher salt and about four cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Run the mixer, scraping the bowl occasionally, and gradually add more flour to achieve a slightly sticky but manageable dough consistency.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with canola or olive oil. Shape the dough into a smooth ball by punching it down and place it seam side down in the bowl. Cover with a clean dishtowel and leave in a warm spot in your kitchen to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Form Loaves: After the dough has risen, prepare bread pans or jelly roll pans with baking spray. Lightly oil a pastry mat or flat surface, then divide and shape the dough into oblong loaves for traditional French bread or smaller shapes for buns.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with clean dish towels and let it rise again until nearly doubled in size, allowing the dough to develop fully.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a sharp serrated knife or bread lame, make diagonal slashes on top of the loaves. Beat one large egg with a splash of water and brush a thin layer over the tops of the bread. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. The bread is done when the bottoms are slightly browned and the tops have a golden brown crust. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- Measuring: For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients in grams, especially water and flour, for consistent dough texture.
- Rising Time: Rising times can vary depending on ambient temperature and humidity; warmer kitchens accelerate rising.
- Scoring: Use a very sharp knife or bread lame to score the bread without deflating the dough to promote proper expansion during baking.
- Storing: This French bread is best eaten fresh on the first day. Store in airtight bags at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked bread in airtight freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread
