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The Heartwarming Appeal of Crusty French Bread: A Slice of Tradition

This Crusty French Bread recipe is your gateway to achieving the perfect loaf of bread, with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. It's simple yet incredibly satisfying to make, offering a taste of homemade comfort that rivals any bakery. Whether you're using it for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter, this French bread will quickly become a kitchen staple.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups of bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 ⅓ cups of slightly warm tap water

Method
 

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, salt, and instant dry yeast.
  2. Add Water: Pour in the warm tap water and stir until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour until you get a smooth, slightly tacky dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release any air. Shape the dough into a long oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which will help develop the bread’s crust.
  8. Slash the Dough: Use a sharp knife or bread lame to make several slashes on the top of the dough to allow it to expand while baking.
  9. Bake the Bread: Place the dough in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or your favorite topping.

Notes

  • For a more rustic look, you can score the dough in a criss-cross pattern or a simple line down the middle.
  • If you don’t have a bread stone, a baking sheet works just as well for baking the bread.
  • You can also add herbs or other seasonings into the dough for a unique flavor twist, such as rosemary or garlic.