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Quick & Crusty Homemade French Bread (Under 90 Minutes)

A freshly baked loaf of golden brown french bread resting on a wooden cutting board, showing a crisp, scored crust.
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Bake bakery-style French bread at home that has a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. This beginner-friendly recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 90 minutes total time.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Mix the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack for steam generation.
  6. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, narrow loaf (a baguette shape).
  7. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score the tops of each loaf three times with a sharp knife.
  8. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan in the oven to create steam.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  10. Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crusty exterior, spray the sides of the oven with water during the first 5 minutes of baking.
  • If you do not have active dry yeast, substitute with 1 3/4 teaspoons of instant yeast and skip the initial proofing step with the water.
  • This bread is excellent for making homemade sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/quick-crusty-french-bread-under-90-minutes/