French Bread Recipe: Crispy and Rustic
Classic French Bread with crispy, rustic flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: Butter olive oil with herbs
- Suggested Pairings: Soup red wine
Instructions
- Combine water, sugar, and yeast; let sit 5–10 min until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil; mix and knead 8–10 min. Taste and adjust salt.
- Let the dough rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Divide into 2 loaves; shape and let rise 30–45 min.
- Preheat oven to 450°F with water pan. Slash and mist loaves.
- Bake 20–25 min until golden.
- Serve on a white ceramic platter with butter, soup, and wine.
Notes
- Use steam for a crispy crust.
- Store in a paper bag for 2 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try an herb or gluten-free variation.
- Pair with salad.