Golden crust on the outside, soft and airy on the inside — this homemade French bread rivals anything you'd find in a Parisian bakery. And the best part? It takes just 4 ingredients, zero kneading, and no fancy tools. Once you try this recipe, store-bought bread won’t stand a chance.

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💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Bread

✅ Only 4 ingredients – Just flour, water, yeast, and salt
🔥 Crackly, golden crust – With a chewy, tender interior
⏱ No kneading required – Time does the heavy lifting
🍽 Perfect for everything – Sandwiches, soups, or simply with butter

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📝 Ingredients (Makes 2 Rustic Loaves)

• 4 cups (480g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

• 1½ cups (360ml) warm water (~105°F / 40°C)

• 2 tsp instant yeast (or 2¼ tsp active dry yeast)

• 2 tsp salt
  (Optional: 1 tbsp sugar for a faster rise, cornmeal for dusting)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough (5 minutes)

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
Pour in warm water and stir with a spoon or spatula until a rough, shaggy dough forms.

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2. First Rise (1 hour)

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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3. Shape the Loaves (5 minutes)

Divide the dough in half. Shape each piece into a 12-inch log or oval.
Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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4. Second Rise (30 minutes)

Cover the loaves and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a baking stone or steel, place it in the oven now.

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5. Score and Bake (20–25 minutes)

Use a sharp knife to make 3 diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
(Optional: Spray the loaves with water before baking for an extra-crisp crust.)

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6. Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing… if you can wait!

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🥇 Pro Tips for Bakery-Level Results

🔥 Add steam – Place a pan of boiling water in the oven to help create a crusty exterior.
🌾 Try a flour blend – Mix 50% bread flour with 50% all-purpose for added chew.
🧂 Don’t skip the salt – It enhances flavor and helps control yeast activity.
🍞 Storage tip – Store in a paper bag for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

• Garlic Bread – Slice, butter, sprinkle garlic, and broil.

• Bruschetta – Toast and top with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

• Soup Companion – Perfect for dunking into your favorite broth.

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📈 Why This Recipe Works So Well Online

✔ High-interest search terms like “homemade French bread”
✔ Beginner-friendly with no special tools
✔ Share-worthy, comforting, and nostalgic
✔ Ideal for AdSense and Pinterest traffic

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🥖 Final Thoughts

This no-fail French bread is so good, you’ll be baking it on repeat. Whether you enjoy it plain, buttered, or loaded with toppings, it’s a recipe that always impresses.

So tell us — will you keep it classic or try adding seeds, herbs, or cheese?

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🧑‍🍳 Want More Easy Bread Recipes?

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