Best Ever French Bread Recipe

Achieve bakery-quality results with this easy French bread recipe! Get that perfect crusty exterior and a moist, fluffy interior every single time. Impress your friends and family with beautiful, golden-brown loaves – this recipe is your secret weapon for effortless bread-making.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 1067.3 kcal
Protein 67g
Rating Be the first
Best Ever French Bread 262

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Best Ever French Bread

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How to Make Best Ever French Bread

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a baguette shape (about 12-14 inches long).
  6. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Brush the loaves with water or milk and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

97 g

Sugar

11g

Fat

2g

Carbs

73g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Best Ever French Bread?

Best Ever French Bread takes about 50 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Best Ever French Bread?

Best Ever French Bread has approximately 1067.3 calories per serving, with about 67 g protein, 73 g carbohydrates and 5 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Best Ever French Bread?

The key ingredients for Best Ever French Bread are Warm Water, Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Bread Flour, 2 tablespoons olive oil. See the full list with measurements above.

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