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Bakery-Style French Bread Recipe

Bakery-Style French Bread Recipe

This Bakery-Style French Bread Recipe is soft inside, crispy outside and full of classic flavor. It is perfect for sandwiches, soups or garlic bread.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine French-inspired
Servings 2 loaves
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional

Instructions
  

Activate yeast

  • Mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Make dough

  • Add flour, salt and oil. Mix until dough forms.

Knead dough

  • Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First rise

  • Place dough in bowl, cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours.

Shape loaves

  • Punch down dough and shape into two long loaves.

Second rise

  • Let shaped loaves rest for 30–40 minutes.

Preheat oven

  • Set oven to 220°C and place a tray of water inside for steam.

Score bread

  • Cut shallow slashes on top of loaves.

Bake

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Cool

  • Let bread cool before slicing

Notes

  • Use steam for crispy crust
  • Do not skip second rise
  • Knead well for soft texture
  • Brush with butter for shine
  • Add garlic or herbs for flavor
  • Use bread flour for better chewiness
  • Store wrapped to keep fresh
Keyword Bakery-Style French Bread Recipe