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 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Best Ever French Bread 107

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Best Ever French Bread

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

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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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