Description
Soft and airy homemade French bread with a tender crumb and light crust. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a bakery-style loaf perfect for sandwiches, soups, or enjoying with butter.
Ingredients
2.5–3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms, adding more flour if necessary.
- Knead Dough: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with a beaten egg for a glossy crust.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a crustier loaf, spray water in the oven before baking.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Add garlic and herbs for a savory variation or sprinkle cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Calories: 170 kcal
