Classic Crusty French Bread Recipe
A traditional method for creating crusty, chewy loaves of French-style bread, featuring a signature crisp crust achieved by misting during baking.
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 F.
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In a large bowl, dissolve water, yeast, sugar, and salt, then gradually mix in bread flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes.
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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
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Punch down the dough, knead for 2 minutes, then divide into two equal portions and shape into long loaves.
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Transfer loaves to a lightly greased baking sheet, make five 3/4-inch deep diagonal slits on each, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled.
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Optionally, brush loaves with beaten egg white and sprinkle with seeds, then bake at 400 F for 5 minutes.
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Remove loaves, mist tops with cold water, reduce oven to 350 F, and bake for another 25 minutes until golden brown with an internal temperature of 200-210 F.
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Remove loaves from baking sheet and cool on a rack.