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20 Minute Homemade French Bread: Bakery Quality in Your Kitchen

This revolutionary French bread recipe delivers bakery-quality results in just 20 minutes, featuring a crisp crust and airy interior perfect for impromptu dinners or last-minute guests. The simplified method makes homemade bread accessible to bakers of all skill levels without sacrificing authentic French bread characteristics.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Calories: 1200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
  • 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  2. Create the Dough: Make a well in the center and pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead to Perfection: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down dough and shape into a long French loaf shape. Place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
  6. Score and Bake: Make diagonal slashes on top, brush with egg wash, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet for extra crispy crust. Place a pan of water in the bottom of the oven during baking for professional steam effect. Let bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to prevent gummy texture. Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for future meals.