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Classic Crusty Homemade French Bread (Baguette Style)

A freshly baked loaf of homemade french bread with a golden, crackly crust resting on a wooden cutting board.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home. This recipe produces a loaf with a crisp, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior. It is simple enough for beginners and uses basic ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, salt, and yeast together in a large bowl.
  2. Add the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. (For a quicker bake, aim for 1 hour.)
  5. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces.
  6. Shape each piece into a long, narrow loaf (baguette shape).
  7. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baker’s couche. Cover loosely and let them rest for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack for steam.
  9. Just before baking, use a sharp knife or lame to make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
  10. Carefully slide the loaves onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, and quickly close the oven door.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  12. Transfer the French bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a softer crust loaf, omit the steam pan during baking.
  • If you need a quick bake, reduce the first rise time to 45 minutes, but the texture may be less complex.
  • To achieve a very crisp crust, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/easy-french-bread-recipe-bakery-style/