Print

Easy Homemade French Bread with Soft Fluffy Interior and Crusty Exterior

Cross-section of a soft, homemade French bread loaf showing the fluffy white crumb and golden crust.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You can make amazing, truly soft fluffy French bread at home with simple ingredients. This easy recipe guides you to a golden, crusty loaf perfect for dinner or sandwiches.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a 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.
  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 90 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 loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long.
  7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a baking stone.
  8. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This is your second rise. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes of this rise.
  9. Score the top of the loaf 3 or 4 times diagonally with a sharp knife or razor blade.
  10. Brush the top of the loaf evenly with the egg white wash.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a truly crusty exterior, create steam in your oven by placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack while the oven preheats and for the first part of the bake.
  • If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and simply brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
  • This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving warm with butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/easy-homemade-french-bread/