Description
Learn how to make authentic French bread with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior—all from your home kitchen. This easy recipe guides you step-by-step through mixing, shaping, and baking bakery-quality loaves that fill your kitchen with that irresistible fresh bread aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110–115°F)
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Variations: Substitute 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour for a rustic texture, or reduce olive oil to 1/4 cup for a lighter loaf.
Instructions
- Proof Yeast: Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Base: Combine hot water, sugar, salt, olive oil, and 3 cups flour in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add Yeast: Pour in proofed yeast and mix until combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time, mixing until dough pulls away from the bowl. Dough should be slightly tacky, not sticky.
- Rest: Let dough rest 10 minutes to relax gluten and hydrate.
- Shape: Divide dough into 3 pieces. Roll each into a 9×12-inch rectangle, then roll tightly into a loaf shape.
- Score: Place on baking pan, seam-side down. Score each loaf diagonally 3–4 times with a sharp knife.
- Egg Wash: Brush tops with beaten egg for glossy crust.
- Proof: Let rise uncovered for 30–40 minutes in a warm, draft-free area.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Tap bottom; it should sound hollow.
- Cool: Cool on rack before slicing to preserve texture.
Notes
For a crispier crust, bake with a shallow pan of water on the lower rack to create steam. Store loaves in paper bags at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To revive day-old bread, sprinkle lightly with water and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: French bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, baguette recipe