Description
A classic homemade French bread with a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior, made using simple pantry ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (38–40°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into one long loaf or divide into two smaller loaves.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 220°C and place a dish of water inside for steam.
- Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use bread flour for best texture, but all-purpose flour works if needed.
- Steam in the oven helps create a crispy crust.
- Do not over-flour the dough; it should be slightly tacky.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
