How to Make Crusty French Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread, and this Crusty French Bread recipe is sure to fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. With a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, this bread is perfect for enjoying on its own, slathering with butter, or using as the base for a tasty sandwich. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll find that making this bread from scratch is both satisfying and surprisingly simple.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Cornmeal
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon cold water

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 16 servings

  • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, oil, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
  • Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; return to bowl. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a loaf 16 in. long x 2-1/2 in. wide with tapered ends. Sprinkle a greased baking sheet with cornmeal; place loaf on baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
  • Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough. With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes 2 in. apart across top of loaf. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.