Henry’s Crusty French Bread

This rustic French-style loaf has a crackling crust and tender, airy crumb—perfect for dipping in soups or serving with hearty meals. Its minimal ingredients and simple technique make it a staple for any home baker.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Resting Time 2

Total Time 3

Course Bread, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine French, Italian

Servings 1 Loaf

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
Baking sheet or parchment paper
Proofing basket (optional)
Sharp knife or lame for scoring
Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

Bread Flour: 500g 4 cups
Water: 360g 1.5 cups, lukewarm
Salt: 10g 2 tsp
Active Dry Yeast: 7g 2 1/4 tsp

Instructions

Mix & Autolyse:
Combine flour, water, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix until just combined. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
Knead:
Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
First Rise:
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape & Proof:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round boule or an oval batard. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a floured proofing basket. Cover and let it proof for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place an empty pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Add a baking stone or steel to the middle rack if available.
Score & Bake:
Lightly flour the top of the dough and make a few slashes with a sharp knife or lame. Place the dough in the oven, adding a cup of water to the steam pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Steam for Crust: Adding steam helps create a crispier crust. If you don’t have a steam pan, spray the oven walls with water when you place the dough in.
Shaping Tips: For a classic baguette shape, divide the dough into smaller portions and roll into logs.
Storage: Store in a bread bag or paper bag to maintain the crust.
Enjoy baking and serving this crusty French bread for any cozy occasion!

Henry’s Crusty French Bread