🥖 Homemade Bakery French Bread

Here’s a soft, crusty, and Homemade Bakery-Style French Bread recipe — perfect for sandwiches, soups, or just slathered with butter!

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🥖 Homemade Bakery French Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Yields: 2 loaves

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📝 Ingredients:

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
• 5½–6 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional: 1 egg white (for brushing)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix well, then gradually stir in remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).
5. Shape loaves: Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll each into a 12–14 inch loaf. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: Make 3–4 diagonal slashes on top.
6. Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaves with beaten egg white for a shiny crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

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✅ Tips:

• Add steam to your oven (place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack) for an extra-crusty exterior.
• Let cool on a wire rack for best texture.
• Can freeze baked loaves for up to 3 months.

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🥖 How to Keep French Bread Fresh

French bread is best eaten the day it’s made, but here’s how to keep it fresh longer:

• Short Term (1–2 days):
  Store at room temperature in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid plastic bags—they trap moisture and make the crust soggy.
• Reheat to refresh:
  Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp it up before serving.

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❄️ Can You Freeze French Bread?

Yes! French bread freezes very well.
Here’s how:

1. Cool the bread completely.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

👉 To reheat: Thaw at room temperature, then bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crustiness.

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🍽️ What to Make With French Bread

So many delicious ideas!

Savory Uses:

• Garlic bread
• French bread pizza
• Bruschetta or crostini
• Croutons for salads or soups
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Bread pudding (savory or sweet)

Sweet Uses:

• French toast
• Bread pudding with cinnamon or chocolate
• Nutella or jam toast

Soups & Dips:

• Serve alongside chili, beef stew, or tomato soup
• Scoop up spinach dip, cheesy artichoke dip, or olive tapenade

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