For an extra-crisp crust, place a baking sheet filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking. This creates steam, which helps the crust develop. The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Punch down the dough before shaping and baking. Experiment with different flours, such as bread flour or whole wheat flour, for a slightly different flavor and texture.
French Bread
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME35 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 45 mins
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SERVING30 People
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VIEWS4.1K
Experience the simple elegance of homemade French bread! This recipe delivers crusty, golden loaves with a tender, airy interior, reminiscent of a Parisian boulangerie. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate20 g
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Fiber1 g
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Protein3 g
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Sodium119 mg
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Sugar0 g
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Fat0 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
Recipe View Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with cornmeal. Set aside. (5 minutes)
02 Step
Recipe View Combine and Mix: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and mix with the dough hook attachment until just blended. (10 minutes)
03 Step
Recipe View Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (15 minutes)
04 Step
Recipe View First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. (60 minutes)
05 Step
Recipe View Divide and Rest: Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Turn each half out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. (10 minutes)
06 Step
Recipe View Shape the Loaves: Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up tightly, starting from a long side. Moisten the edge with water and seal. Gently taper the ends to create a classic baguette shape. (10 minutes)
07 Step
Recipe View Second Rise: Place the loaves, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the mixture evenly over the loaves. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until nearly doubled, about 35 to 40 minutes. (40 minutes)
08 Step
Recipe View Preheat and Score: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use a sharp knife or lame to make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts, about 1/4-inch deep, across the top of each loaf. (10 minutes)
09 Step
Recipe View Bake and Glaze: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush loaves with egg white mixture. (20 minutes)
10 Step
Recipe View Final Bake: Continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) or the loaves sound hollow when tapped, about 15 to 20 minutes more. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. (20 minutes)
11 Step
Recipe View Cool: Remove the loaves from the baking sheet and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. (30 minutes)
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Liza Hirthe
Nov 21, 2023I was intimidated by making bread, but this recipe was surprisingly easy to follow. The loaves came out perfectly!
Opal Bahringer
May 23, 2023The steam trick is a must! It really makes a difference in the crust.
Francis Haag
Jun 3, 2022This recipe is fantastic! My family loves the crusty texture and the soft interior. It's become a weekend staple in our house.