Hard-crusted breads such as French bread are usually baked with steam in the oven during the first part of the baking period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steam is used during the initial phase of baking hard-crusted breads like French bread to keep the crust soft temporarily, allowing the bread to expand fully before the crust hardens, resulting in a lighter, more open crumb and a glossy, crisp crust.

Hard-Crusted Breads Such as French Bread Are Usually Baked with Steam