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Classic Crusty Homemade French Bread (Baguette Style)

Close-up of the airy, open crumb structure inside a freshly baked loaf of french bread.
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Learn to bake bakery-style French bread at home. This recipe yields a loaf with a crisp, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Pour in the warm water. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 90 minutes. The dough will become bubbly and increase in volume.
  4. Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a rough rectangle.
  5. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Turn it over and gently shape it into a long, tight log, about 15 inches long, resembling a baguette.
  6. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baker’s couche. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it proof for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) about 20 minutes before the end of the proofing time. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam later.
  8. Just before baking, use a very sharp knife or razor blade to make three diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
  9. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Quickly close the oven door.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, omit the steam step and brush the loaf lightly with water halfway through baking.
  • If you want a quicker option, reduce the initial rise time to 30 minutes and the final proof to 15 minutes for a total time closer to 2 hours.
  • This recipe makes one large loaf, but you can divide the dough to make two smaller baguettes or several dinner rolls.

Nutrition

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