Crusty French Bread Recipe

When it comes to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, few things can compare to a warm loaf of crusty French bread. This Crusty French Bread Recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, perfect for accompanying your favorite meals or enjoying on its own with a smear of butter. With a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, this bread is sure to please everyone at your table. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful loaf!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something undeniably magical about bread, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven. This Crusty French Bread Recipe is a favorite for many reasons:

• Texture: The contrast between the crispy crust and soft interior makes every bite a delightful experience.
• Versatility: Whether you’re making sandwiches, serving it with soup, or enjoying it with cheese, this bread fits perfectly into any meal.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Homemade Aroma: The smell of baking bread is one of the most comforting scents, creating a warm atmosphere in your kitchen.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create this crusty loaf, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups warm water (90 to 100°F): This helps activate the yeast.
• 1/2 tsp molasses: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances color.
• 2 1/3 cups unbleached bread flour (290 grams): Provides structure and chewiness.
• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (315 grams): Balances texture and flavor.
• 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast (quick rise), (1/2 packet): Ensures a good rise.
• 2 tsp salt (fine sea salt): Essential for flavor and dough strength.
• All-purpose flour and semolina flour for dusting: Prevents sticking and adds texture.

Tools of the Trade

To get started on your bread-making journey, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Dough Scraper: To mix and knead the dough.
• Kitchen Scale: For precise measurements (recommended for best results).
• Bench Scraper: Useful for shaping and transferring the dough.
• Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: To bake the bread, ensuring a crispy crust.
• Sharp Knife or Bread Lame: For scoring the bread before baking.

Crusty French Bread Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bake? Follow these steps to create your own crusty French bread.

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and molasses. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the unbleached bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the salt evenly, preventing any yeast from being inhibited.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or a dough scraper to mix until a shaggy dough forms. It may look a bit messy at this point, but that’s okay!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long loaf by rolling it gently or stretching it out.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the shaped loaves onto a baking sheet dusted with semolina flour. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until they puff up again.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven. This will create steam during baking, which helps achieve that perfect crust.

Step 9: Score the Loaves

Before placing the loaves in the oven, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make several diagonal slashes across the tops. This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.

Step 10: Bake!

Carefully pour hot water into the empty baking pan in the oven to create steam. Place the baking sheet with the loaves on the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the interior finish cooking and sets the texture.

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten up your crusty French bread, consider these tips:

• Use a blend of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Experiment with adding ingredients like ground flaxseed to enhance nutrition.
• Reduce the amount of salt slightly if desired, as it can sometimes weigh down the dough.
• Incorporate herbs or spices for added flavor without additional calories.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

When making this Crusty French Bread Recipe, it’s essential to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dense bread, while too little can make it too sticky. For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Additionally, feel free to get creative with your bread by adding your favorite herbs or cheese to the dough before shaping!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

If you want to prepare ahead, this dough can be made the night before. After the first rise, shape the loaves and place them in the refrigerator instead of letting them rise again at room temperature. The next day, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before baking. This slow rise will enhance the flavor of your bread!

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is correct. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warmer spot.

Why is my crust not crispy?

A crispy crust often comes from steam in the oven. Ensure you add water to the pan in the oven, and consider baking on a pizza stone for better heat retention.

My bread is dense; what did I do wrong?

Dense bread can result from too much flour or insufficient kneading. Ensure you’re measuring correctly and kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Once the bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it at room temperature, then warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.

Don’t Miss These

• Sally’s Baking Addiction for more baking inspiration.
• Pinch of Yum for delicious meal pairings.
• Minimalist Baker for simple and healthy recipes.

Let’s Eat

Now that you have your perfect Crusty French Bread Recipe ready, it’s time to slice, serve, and enjoy! Whether you’re sharing it with family or indulging in a quiet moment with a slice and some butter, this bread is bound to be a hit. The warmth, aroma, and delightful texture will make any meal feel special. Happy baking!

Crusty French Bread Recipe

This Crusty French Bread is a warm, crispy delight! Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply with butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Bread

Cuisine: French

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 3/4 cups warm water (90 to 100°F)
• 1/2 tsp molasses
• 2 1/3 cups unbleached bread flour (290 grams)
• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (315 grams)
• 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast (quick rise, 1/2 packet)
• 2 tsp salt (fine sea salt)
• all-purpose flour for dusting
• semolina flour for dusting

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Kitchen Scale
• Bench Scraper
• Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
• Sharp Knife or Bread Lame

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and molasses. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the unbleached bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or a dough scraper to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a long loaf.
7. Place the shaped loaves onto a baking sheet dusted with semolina flour. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
8. About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack.
9. Before placing the loaves in the oven, score the tops with a sharp knife or bread lame.
10. Carefully pour hot water into the empty baking pan in the oven to create steam. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Measure flour correctly to avoid dense bread.
• For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or cheese.
• Dough can be refrigerated after the first rise for enhanced flavor.