Your Own Crusty French Bread Recipes

FRENCH BREAD ROLLS TO DIE FOR

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• To the yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, and form into round balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl with a dough hook, thoroughly mix ¾ cup flour, sugar, and yeast.
• Add butter.
• Gradually add warm water to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes with mixer at medium speed, scraping bowl as needed.
• Add salt and 3/4 cup flour.
• Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl as needed.
• Slowly add in the remaining flour until the dough come off the sides of the mixing bowl.
• Knead using the dough hook for 8-10 minutes.
• Lift dough out of bowl to lightly oil the sides and bottom of bowl and return dough to the oiled surface.
• Cover bowl with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Roll into a 15x10 inch rectangle.
• Starting at the wide side of the dough, roll up tightly and pinch seam and ends to seal.
• Lightly Sprinkle cornmeal on bottom of pan and place dough on top of the cornmeal and brush the dough with olive oil. Let rest for 10 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a glass baking dish on the bottom of the rack filled ½ full of water.
• Prior to baking, make 6-7 ½ inch slices in the top of the dough.
• Bake for 20 minutes.
• Whisk together egg white and water. After the initial baking time, brush the top of the bread with the egg wash mixture. Continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

CRUSTY FRENCH BAGUETTE RECIPE

Steps:

• Measure the warm water in a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside and allow the yeast to dissolve and become foamy.
• Measure the bread flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and stir in the dissolved yeast.
• Add the cool water, a little at a time, while stirring, just until a stiff, shaggy dough (watch the video below to see what this should look like) has formed (you may not need to use all of the water).
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, and gently press it into a rectangle and fold into thirds. Turn 90 degrees and repeat.
• Place the dough in a large oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 to 2 hours).
• Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, and shape each one into a long loaf (about 15-inches long and 1 1/2-inches in diameter), with pointed ends.
• Place the loaves on a floured towel, cover with oiled plastic wrap, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk (about 30 to 45 minutes).
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, and place a pan of water on the bottom rack.
• Uncover the baguettes and transfer to lightly greased baking sheets.
• Sprinkle with flour, and make 4 elongated slashes down each one with a lame, razor, or sharp knife.
• Bake the breads until crusty and brown (in my oven this takes around 35 to 40 minutes). The baguettes should give a hollow sound when tapped.

EASY FRENCH BREAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Add 1 cup of flour to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add yeast and salt and whisk to combine.
• Place water in a heat-proof measuring cup. Heat for about one minute (maybe longer, it depends on your microwave) until water is between 120°-130°F. It's best to check this with an instant-read thermometer, but if you don't have one, think hot bath water. Add oil to water, then pour into dry ingredients.
• Run mixer with dough hook, scraping the sides of the bowl, just until the flour is all moistened. Add 2 more cups of flour, mix, then add an another 1 1/2 cups of flour and let the mixer run until the dough is thick and starts to come together, adding an additional 1/2 cup flour as needed. It won't form a ball but will only be slightly sticky to the touch.
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until the dough forms a ball and is elastic and springs back when pressed with two fingers; cover and let rest 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into an approximate 12x15-inch rectangle (no need to be exact) and roll it up from the long side. Pinch the ends to form the pointy ends of the loaf.
• Place loaves on a cookie sheet covered with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Uncover loaves and use a sharp knife to score 4-5 times on top to create the French bread look. Brush the dough lightly with egg wash.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the loaves are golden and hard and sound hollow if knocked on. To make a browner and crunchier crust, as shown in the photos, do a second brushing with egg white after 15 minutes of baking.
• Cool slightly before serving, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

CLASSIC AND CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
• Mix in the bread flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough is formed.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it for about 8 minutes.
• Put the dough in a greased bowl and flip the dough over so that all of the dough is lightly greased, including the dough top . Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until double in size.
• Punch down the dough .
• Give the dough a quick 2-minute knead.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal halves. Shape each half into a long loaf.
• Place the loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet. Make about 5 diagonal slits, 3/4 inch deep, into the top of each loaf.
• Cover loaves with a clean towel or greased plastic wrap and let them rise for 45 minutes or until double in size. Heat the oven to 400 F.
• If you'd like, brush the loaves with the beaten egg white for a shiny crust, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake at 400 F for 5 minutes.
• Remove the loaves from the oven and use a mister or spray bottle to lightly spray the tops of the loaves with cold water. Turn the oven down to 350 F and bake the loaves for another 25 minutes or until done.
• Remove the loaves from the baking sheet and let them cool on a rack.

HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD RECIPE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes, or until it begins to foam.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture on medium-low speed or by hand. Knead in 1/2 cup of the remaining flour in increments until the dough is smooth but not sticky. Add more flour as needed.
• Rub the olive oil around the dough ball, cover the bowl with a towel and let rest 15 to 30 minutes. If you have more time, let rise up to 1 hour.
• Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it in half. Set one half aside. Roll the other half into a rectangle (about 15 inches). Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder.
• Turn both ends in and pinch the seams closed. Round the edges and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough ball. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cover loaves lightly with a towel. Let rise 30 to 60 minutes (the longer the better, if you have the time).
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake 17 to 23 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. When you knock on it, it should sound hollow. If it's browning too fast, lightly cover with foil and lower the temperature to 375°F.
• Brush the top with melted butter, if desired. Slice and serve while warm.

CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Add the sugar, salt, shortening, remaining water and 3-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Turn onto a floured surface. Divide in half; let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into a 10x8-in. rectangle. Roll up from a long side; pinch to seal. Place seam side down on 2 greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle the tops with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , With a very sharp knife, make 5 diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Bake at 400° until lightly browned, 20-30 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack to cool.

CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Stir together flours,salt and yeast in medium bowl. Add 3/4 cup water and stir until ingredients come together into a coarse ball. Add flour or water a tablespoon at a time only if necessary. Dough should be well hydrated but not too sticky or too stiff.
• Sprinkle flour on the counter and knead dough for 4-6 minutes. Or knead in mixing bowl on medium speed with dough hook for about 4 minutes.
• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and roll it around to fully coat it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest a room temperature for 1 hour or until 1 1/2 times it's original size.
• Remove from the bowl. Lightly knead it to degas it slightly and place back in the bowl. Cover with plastic. Place in refrigerator overnight. Keeps in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in airtight plastic bag for up to 3 months.
• Take starter from refrigerator 1 hour before making the dough. Cut into 10 small pieces with a pastry scraper or serrated knife. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Stir together all purpose flour,bread flour, salt, yeast and starter dough in a medium bowl or using the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the water and stir until everything comes together. Add water or flour as needed so you have dough that is not too sticky or stiff.
• Knead dough on medium speed using an electric mixer for about 6 minutes. Or place dough on a lightly floured counter and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. Dough should be soft and supple but not sticky. The dough should be able to be easily stretched and temperature about 77 -81 degrees. Knead for a few extra minutes to increase temperature of dough if needed. Lightly oil a large bowl and place dough in bowl. Roll around to coat it with oil. Cover with plastic wrap.
• Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until doubled in size. If double before the 2 hours, knead it lightly to degas it and cover and let it rise again.
• Remove the dough gently from the bowl and transfer to a lightly floured counter. Cut into 3 equal pieces. Being careful to degas the dough as little as possible. (We want to keep the air bubbles in the bread this creates the beautiful open crumb we adore.)
• Gather dough into a rough ball. Stretch the outside of dough underneath being careful not to degas the dough. Continue stretching dough bringing opposite sides together to make a ball. Let loaves relax for a few minutes. Lift dough and gently pull, tugging on opposite ends. We want loaves that are about 8-12 inches in length. Remove they will expand in size and we will need them to fit in our standard size oven.
• Crease dough down the center and fold it like a letter. Seal the crease against the counter to create surface tension. Working from the center of the loaf to the outsides gently rock dough to lengthen to desired size. If dough is springing back quickly. Let rest for a few minutes and try again. Place baguettes lightly sprayed parchment that is sprinkled generously with cornmeal.
• Let sit at room temperature for 45 to 75 minutes or until loaves are about 1 1/2 times original size. If you poke with your finger that should slightly spring back
• Meanwhile prepare oven. Place an empty heavy duty sheet pan or cast iron frying pan on the bottom of the oven (Do not use anything glass). Place a cast iron or baking stone on the center rack. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Also prepare a water bottle for misting (just a cheap one from the dollar store works fine.) And simmer a few cups of hot water on the stove for later.
• Score the top of the loaves by slashing across the top diagonally several times on each loaf. Use a lame or a serrated bread knife.
• Using a pizza peel or the back of a sheet pan sprinkle very generously with cornmeal or semolina flour. (This will allow the loaves to slide easily into the oven.)
• Open oven. Lay a towel over oven door glass. Transfer baguettes to baking stone in oven. Pour 1 cup hot water into steam pan. Remove towel, close oven door. After 30 seconds,open oven and spray oven walls with water and close door. Repeat 2 more times after 30 second intervals. Then lower oven temperature to 450 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate loaves if needed and bake until golden brown. Loaves should be at least 205 degrees in center. This will take about an additional 10-20 minutes. If they darken too quickly turn oven down to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove loaves and cool on rack for at least 40 minutes before slicing and serving.

EASY CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large mixing bowl (you can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook).
• Let the yeast proof for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.
• Add flour to bowl. Mix with a sturdy spatula until the dough starts to come together, then add salt and mix until all ingredients are incorporated. For best results, mix until no dry bits of flour remain. Note: This is a relatively slack (wet) dough, so it may seem a bit shaggy and sticky at this point. Don't worry - it will become more smooth and elastic as we go!
• Cover bowl with a clean tea towel and let rise on the counter for about 1 hour, until dough has doubled in size.
• When dough has risen, lightly flour a large cutting board.
• Tip the dough out of the bowl and onto the cutting board. DO NOT PUNCH THE DOUGH DOWN - you want to keep all those nice air bubbles intact so you have an airy, delicious loaf of bread. (Note: If the dough is sticking to the bowl a little bit, wet your hand with a bit of cold water and gently separate the dough from the bowl to get it all out).
• Shape the dough into a round loaf: Pull each corner of the dough in towards the center (like you're folding an envelope) and repeat until the dough feels tight and begins to resist your folds. Flip the dough over and pull it into a round loaf. Watch the video(s) above to see exactly how we do this!
• Flour a proofing basket or a medium bowl and place your loaf into it seam-side down. Cover with a tea towel and let rise another 30 minutes or so while you preheat the oven. Note: I like to line my proofing basket or mixing bowl with a clean linen napkin to distribute the flour more evenly and help with cleanup.
• While bread is rising, place an empty dutch oven (with the lid on) in your oven and heat to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When the oven is hot, you're ready to go! Use oven mitts to pull the dutch oven out and remove the lid.
• Lay a piece of parchment paper down on your counter or cutting board (optional - it makes transferring the bread easier!)
• Tip your bread dough gently out of the proofing basket onto the parchment paper. Make sure the seam side is up this time - this is what will create those beautiful cracks on top of the bread!
• VERY CAREFULLY (without burning yourself!) use the sides of the parchment to lift the bread up and place it into the hot Dutch oven.
• Put your oven mitts back on, place the dutch oven lid back on the pot, and slide the whole thing back into your hot oven.
• Cook bread for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the lid from your dutch oven. The bread should be taller, crusty, and very lightly browned. Continue cooking the bread, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes more until the bread has deepened in color and you have a beautiful brown crust.
• When bread is done, use oven mitts to pull the pot out of your oven.
• Use a long spatula or the corners of your parchment paper to lift the bread out of the dutch oven and onto a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into it.
• Slice, slather with butter, and enjoy!

YOUR OWN CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in very warm water.
• Stir well.
• Let proof for 10 minutes.
• Stir in 2 cups of the flour, sugar and salt until mixture is smooth; gradually beat in enough of the remaining 5 cups flour to make stiff dough.
• (Kitchen Aid is perfect for this).
• Turn out onto lightly floured pastry cloth or board and knead 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding only enough more flour to keep dough from sticking.
• Return to bowl; brush top with soft shortening or oil and cover with clean towel or plastic wrap.
• Let rise till double in bulk in warm place away drafts (approximately 45-60 minutes).
• Punch dough down; cover; let rise again for 30 minutes (again in warm place away from drafts) or until double in bulk.
• While dough rises, make boat shaped baking pans as follows:.
• Tear off 3 twenty-inch-long sheets of heavy aluminum foil.
• Fold in sides of foil approximately 1"-1 1/2" on all 4 sides to form baking pan, this will allow the bread to rise up and not spread out into a flat shaped loaf by folding the short ends together to seal, pressing thumb inside to round slightly (shape into boat)with shortest ends slightly rounded.
• Spray with PAM and sprinkle lightly with corn meal.
• Punch dough down, knead 1 minute on lightly floured pastry cloth or board.
• Divide dough into thirds.
• Roll out with the palm of your hands to a rope approximately 18 inches long; place in prepared foil pan.
• Repeat with remaining two-thirds dough.
• Make 3-4 evenly spaced shallow cuts diagonally in the top of each loaf; brush with warm water and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Cover with clean towel and let rise in warm place away from drafts till double in bulk (approx. 30 min).
• Preheat oven to 450º.
• Place dish (I use an old aluminum pie plate) on lower shelf of oven and fill half way with hot tap water.
• Slide loaves on shelf above water.
• Bake for 15 minutes in 450º oven; reduce heat to 350º and bake 30 minutes longer.
• Bread is done when tapped and gives a hollow sound.
• Remove immediately from pans and let cool on cooling racks.
• Slice bread- spread each side with garlic butter- reassemble bread loaf and return to foil pans.
• Unfold edges to cover and warm in low oven (325º) till butter melts into bread.
• Serve warm.

CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Proof the yeast in the water and sugar.
• Knead in salt and flour until dough is well-developed.
• Let rise until double in size.
• Knead down gently, and allow to rise again.
• Form dough into two loaves and drop into greased bread pans. Allow to rise again.
• Bake at 400* until the loaves pull away from the pan edges, and sound hollow when tapped.
• *For really beautiful loaves, egg wash each toward the end of baking time with 1 well-beaten egg plus 1 TB of water.*.