Homemade French bread is known for its crispy crust and soft, airy inside — perfect for pairing with meals or making delicious sandwiches. With this recipe, you’ll get a fluffy, aromatic loaf that’s ideal for enjoying right at home!

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📝 Ingredients (for 2–3 medium baguettes):

• 500 g wheat flour (all-purpose or bread flour)

• 10 g salt

• 10 g sugar

• 7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)

• 300 ml warm water

• 20 ml olive oil or melted butter (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Dough

• In a bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it rest for 10 minutes until it activates and becomes foamy.

• In another bowl, sift the flour and mix in the salt.

• Add the yeast mixture to the flour and start kneading.

• (Optional) Add the olive oil or butter, and knead for 10–15 minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough.

• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.

• Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

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2. Shape the Loaves

• Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and place the risen dough on it.

• Gently press down to release the air.

• Divide into 2 or 3 portions and shape into long baguettes.

• Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

• Make diagonal slashes on the surface with a sharp knife.

• Let rest for another 30 minutes to rise a bit more before baking.

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3. Bake the Bread

• Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).

• Place a pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam — this helps form a crispy crust.

• Bake the baguettes for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

• Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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📌 Tips:
✔ For an extra crispy crust, spray some water into the oven during the first few minutes of baking.
✔ For airier bread, let the dough ferment slowly in the fridge overnight.
✔ Add seeds or aromatic herbs for a special touch.

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🍽 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 10 slices per baguette):

• Calories: 150 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 1 g

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And that’s it! A perfect homemade French bread for any occasion. 🥖✨
Would you like to try a version with whole wheat flour, or maybe with garlic and cheese? 😊