Really Easy Really Good French Bread
Discover the ultimate homemade bread experience with this "Really Easy, Really Good French Bread" recipe—a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and olive oil, you'll create irresistibly soft, golden loaves with a delightfully crisp crust. This beginner-friendly recipe features step-by-step instructions, including tips for achieving a professional bakery-style finish, such as optional egg white glaze and signature bread slashes. In under two hours, including rising and baking time, you'll have two fragrant loaves fresh out of the oven, ready to complement soups, salads, or your favorite dipping oils. Perfect for bread lovers and first-time bakers alike, this recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 piece Egg white (optional, for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon Water (for glazing)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until bubbles form and the yeast is activated.
Add the salt, olive oil, and 3 cups of the flour to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour if needed, until the dough is no longer sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Punch the dough down and transfer it back to the floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Shape each portion into a long loaf (approximately 12-14 inches in length) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover the loaves with a clean towel and let them rise for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
If desired, mix the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the tops of the loaves for a shiny, crisp crust.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve fresh and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1702 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.0 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4786 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 327.6 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 49.7 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 645 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
