Name: Rustic French Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups water (105 – 115 degrees Fahrenheit)

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Introduction

Rustic French Bread is a simple yet satisfying loaf with a crisp crust and soft, chewy interior. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and slow rising to develop great flavor and texture, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter.

A round loaf of bread sits in a white bowl lined with crinkled parchment paper. The bread has a golden brown crust with a thick white flour dusting on top. It is scored with a deep cross pattern that splits the bread into four large triangular sections. The texture of the crust looks crisp and rustic, with cracked lines revealing a softer interior. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

1 1/4 cups water (105 – 115 degrees Fahrenheit)

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.

Step 2: Add half of the flour and all the salt to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead on medium-low speed. Gradually add the remaining flour and continue kneading until the dough just comes together. It will still be sticky.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface or piece of parchment paper. Gently shape it into a smooth ball, sprinkle with extra flour, and cover with a large bowl. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven to preheat for 20 minutes. If using a baking sheet instead, do not preheat it.
Step 6: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Carefully transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Bake with the lid on for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown. If using a baking sheet, bake the bread uncovered for 35 minutes. The bread is done when its internal temperature reaches about 210°F (99°C).
Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more flavorful crust, try brushing the loaf with water before baking or adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs inside the Dutch oven.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it comes together.
To add extra texture, fold in a tablespoon of whole wheat flour or seeds during kneading.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or a bread box at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain its crust. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread with a golden brown crust is shown inside a white bowl lined with parchment paper. The bread has a light dusting of white flour on top and a star-shaped pattern cut into the crust, revealing a soft, airy interior. The bread looks fresh with a slightly crispy texture on the surface, resting snugly within the parchment paper that is gently folded around it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use about 25% less instant yeast and add it directly to the flour without proofing in water.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can bake the bread on a baking sheet without preheating it. While the crust won’t be as crispy as when using a Dutch oven, it will still turn out delicious.