A good, crusty French bread is a staple in any well-rounded culinary repertoire. With its delicate yet hearty interior and irresistible, golden-brown exterior, the French bread is an essential addition to virtually all types of meals. This step-by-step guide will help you make the best French bread at home!

Ingredients:

– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

– 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)

– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups bread flour

– 2 teaspoons salt

– 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)

– Cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water, ensuring it is thoroughly mixed. Set aside for about five minutes, or until the mixture turns frothy.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. Mix well.

3. Incorporate the yeast mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well-blended flours and mix gently. Gradually add the remaining warm water while steadily mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for approximately ten minutes by hand or with a stand mixer on low-medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. First rise: Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for one to two hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Pre-shape and rest: Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each half into a slightly flattened oval and allow them to rest for about ten minutes, covered with a towel.

7. Final shaping: Gently stretch and fold the dough rectangles lengthwise and pinch the edges to seal them. Roll the dough over so that the seam is on the bottom and tuck the ends under a slight angle to form the traditional French bread shape.

8. Second rise: Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal or semolina flour and place the shaped loaves onto it, seam-side down. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

9. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) along with a heatproof dish filled with water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking.

10. Scoring and baking: Make diagonal slashes on top of each loaf using a sharp knife or bread lame. Shallow cuts will give you an attractive pattern, while deeper slashes allow for better oven spring. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

11. Cooling: Allow your French bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing into it – this lets the interior texture become beautifully soft, while maintaining that irresistible crusty exterior.

And voilà! You’ve mastered the best French bread recipe! Enjoy this delicious homemade bread alongside soups, stews, or simply slathered with butter for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Bon appétit!