Description
A simple recipe for soft and crusty French bread, ready in under two hours, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for wash)
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast over it, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 60 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into two, and shape into loaves.
- Let the loaves rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare for steam.
- Brush loaves with egg white and make slashes across the tops.
- Create steam in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Don’t skip the steam for a perfect crust! Experiment with flavors by adding herbs or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: French bread, homemade bread, baking