There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, and this Easy French Bread Recipe makes it possible to enjoy bakery-style bread right at home. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior, this homemade French bread magically turns simple pantry ingredients into beautiful loaves that are perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or just tearing into while it's still warm. Best of all, it's easy enough for beginners and bakes up perfectly every time.
Why you'll love this recipe
Homemade French bread may sound hard to make, but this recipe keeps things simple while delivering amazing results. It's a go-to bread recipe that fits into everyday life and special meals alike.
Simple ingredients - This recipe uses basic pantry staples, so there's no need to hunt down anything fancy.
Easy to make - With clear steps and straightforward techniques, this bread is very beginner-friendly.
Soft inside with a golden crust - The loaves bake up light and airy on the inside with that classic crisp crust on the outside.
Perfect for any meal - Serve it with soup, pasta, salads, or turn it into garlic bread, sandwiches, or toast.
Ingredients and Their Part in the Bread
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the texture and flavor that make homemade French bread so good.
- Bread flour - Provides structure and chew for classic French bread texture.
- Rapid Rise yeast - Helps the dough rise quickly and reliably.
- Water - Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- Olive oil - Adds a touch of richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Sugar - Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of balance to the flavor.
- Salt - Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
How to Make French Bread
Making French bread at home is easier than it looks. Just follow these steps and let time do most of the work. Here's what to do:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix bread flour, paid rise yeast, sugar and kosher salt together.
- Heat water and olive oil in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl to a temperature between 125-130°F, about 1-½ minutes. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in warm liquid.
- Stir for 2 minutes to mix.
- Knead with your electric mixer for 5-7 minutes at speed 2 if you have a KitchenAid. You can also knead by hand for 10 minutes. Cover and let rest in bowl for 10 minutes.
- Remove from bowl and place on lightly floured surface and cut into 4 even pieces with a bench knife or dough scraper, if available.
- Take one of the sections and pat into a 9x12-inch rectangle.
- Starting on the long edge, roll up tightly into a log. Tuck the ends under. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place them seam-side down on cookie sheets that have been sprayed with a nonstick oil spray and dusted with cornmeal, usually 2 loaves per pan.
- Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled, usually 1-½ to 2 hours. Just before baking, cut slits, about ¼" deep, in the top of each loaf using a very sharp knife. Note: For a crisper crust, brush the tops of the loaves with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water).
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few helpful tips can make all the difference when baking bread at home.
- Make sure the water temperature stays between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit so the yeast activates properly.
- Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which helps create the right texture.
- Let the dough rise fully so the bread bakes up light and airy.
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to score the loaves, which helps control how they expand in the oven.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing so the inside sets properly.
Recipe Variations to Make it Your Own
This French bread recipe is a great base that's easy to customize.
- Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough for extra flavor.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter or olive oil after baking for a softer crust.
- Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or everything seasoning before baking.
- Swap part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
What to Serve French Bread With
Freshly baked French bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many meals. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner, a simple lunch, or something a little more special, this bread is the perfect side to round out the table.
Soups - French bread is made for dipping, which makes it a natural match for soups of all kinds. Serve it alongside creamy soups like tomato, potato, or broccoli cheese, or pair it with heartier options like chicken gnocchi, beef stew, or vegetable soup for soaking up every last drop of broth.
Salads - A loaf of French bread turns a simple salad into a satisfying meal. Serve it with classic green salads, Caesar salad, or Italian chopped salad for a light but filling combo. It also works well with a pasta salad or Mediterranean quinoa salad for lunches and casual dinners.
Main dishes - French bread complements a wide variety of main dishes, especially saucy ones. Serve it with pasta, lasagna, chicken dishes, or roasted meats to help scoop up sauces and juices. It's also perfect for building sandwiches or serving alongside comfort food favorites.
How to Store and Reheat French Bread
Store leftover bread loosely wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days. Avoid sealing it tightly, which can soften the crust.
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly with 2 layers of foil and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to use.
To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crust and warm it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
French bread is known for its simple ingredients, crisp crust, and soft interior. It typically contains no dairy and very little fat.
The most common reasons are inactive yeast or water that was too hot or too cool. Using fresh yeast and the correct water temperature helps ensure success.
Yes, kneading by hand works perfectly for this recipe and is a great option if you don't have a stand mixer.
If your French bread has become too hard, you can soften it easily. Lightly sprinkle the loaf with water or wrap it in a damp paper towel, then warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The moisture helps soften the inside while the oven refreshes the crust. For smaller portions, you can also microwave the bread wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10 to 15 seconds, but keep an eye on it so it doesn't become chewy.
More Bread Recipes to Try
Rosemary Garlic Skillet Bread is perfect for an Italian dinner.
Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread Recipe to make this flavorful and rustic bread at home.
Old-Fashioned Southern Biscuits are buttery, flaky, and perfect for breakfast or dinner.
5 Ingredient Soda Bread is an easy no no-knead, no-yeast Irish soda bread.
Find out how to make bread cakes (pan-fried bread) to enjoy for breakfast or dinner.
And take a look at more of my homemade bread recipes to make for any occasion.
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Homemade French Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups filtered water (you don't want to use chlorinated water as it will inhibit the yeast's rising ability)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 5 -6 cups bread flour (organic, unbleached is the healthiest)
- 1 ½ packets RAPID RISE yeast (1 Tablespoon)
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups filtered water and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup. Place in microwave and heat on high for 1 ½ - 2 minutes. You want the water to reach a temperature between 125-130 degrees. (Use a digital thermometer to make sure it doesn't get too hot.)
- While the water is heating, mix 5 cups flour, 1 Tablespoon yeast, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour the warm liquids into the flour mix and stir for 2 minutes to combine. Knead by hand for 10 minutes or with a stand mixer with a dough hook, on speed 2, for about 5-7 minutes. Add ½ - 1 cup flour as needed and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic and looses its' stickiness.
- Prepare 2 cookie sheets by spraying with oil then dusting with cornmeal.
- Let the dough rest in the bowl, covered, for 10 minutes, then cut into 4 equal pieces. Form each into a long loaf by forming a 9x12-inch rectangle then rolling it up starting at the wide side then tucking under the ends. Place 2 on each prepared cookie sheet.
- Cover each cookie sheet with a towel and let the loaves rise until doubled, about 2 hours. Once they are finished rising, cut slits in the top with a sharp knife.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cookie sheets on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes. (For a crisper crust, I like to brush them with an egg wash (whisked egg with 1 tablespoon water).
- Makes 4 small loaves. You can also opt to make 2 longer French bread loaves.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with better instructions and more helpful tips. It was first published on September 30, 2014.
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