Fabulous French Bread

Experience the perfect balance of a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crusty exterior with this recipe for Fabulous French Bread! With just a handful of pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar—this classic homemade bread comes together beautifully for a bakery-worthy result. The process includes time-honored techniques like hand-kneading for elasticity, a double rise for airy texture, and a unique steam-baking method to create that irresistible crisp crust. Perfect for serving alongside hearty soups, creamy dips, or as a base for gourmet sandwiches, each slice is a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something extraordinary. Whether you're new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe is your ultimate guide to mastering authentic French bread at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:205 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil (optional, for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and the yeast is activated.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.

Step 3

Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.

Step 7

Shape each portion into a long baguette, about 12-14 inches in length. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.

Step 8

With a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf for a traditional French bread look.

Step 9

Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty, heat-safe pan on the bottom rack of the oven.

Step 11

Before placing the bread in the oven, pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty pan to create steam. This will help achieve a crusty exterior.

Step 12

Bake the loaves on the middle rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.

Step 13

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your Fabulous French Bread fresh or store it for later!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	867.8 grams (867.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1823

Total Fat 9.50g	12%
Saturated Fat 1.40g	7%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4732mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate 373.20g	136%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 5.20g
Protein 52.30g	105%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 67mg	5%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 657mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4.8%

Protein: 11.7%

Carbs: 83.5%