Easy 4-Ingredient French Bread

This is one of the easiest breads I make, and it always comes out beautiful. The crust is crispy and flaky, while the crumb stays soft and light.

Ingredients

1
Mix 220 ml water with 2 g dry yeast (or 3 g fresh yeast). Add 320 g bread flour and 6 g salt, then mix until no dry flour remains.
2
Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Timer Available:First Rest (30:00)
3
With wet hands, stretch the 4 sides to the center, then do a quick lift-and-slap.
4
Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Timer Available:Second Rest (30:00)
5
Repeat the same stretch-and-fold and lift-and-slap. The dough should feel elastic.
6
Let rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
Timer Available:Bulk Rise (2:00:00)
7
Turn out the dough, fold it lightly, and divide into 3 equal pieces.
8
Pre-shape each piece: use your preferred method (tight ball or short roll), then seal and set aside.
9
Rest uncovered for 10 minutes.
Timer Available:Bench Rest (10:00)
10
Final-shape each piece into a longer loaf and place on a baking tray.
11
Cover with a towel and proof for 30 minutes.
Timer Available:Final Proof (30:00)
12
Dust lightly with flour and score each loaf with three quick diagonal cuts.
13
Sprinkle a little water around for steam, cover with another tray, and bake at 220°C for 20 minutes.
Timer Available:Covered Bake (20:00)
14
Remove the top tray and bake 10 more minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
Timer Available:Final Bake (10:00)

See every step in action! Follow along with the complete video guide for perfect results.