There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, homemade French bread filling your kitchen. With its crispy golden crust and soft, airy interior, this bread is a staple for everything from sandwiches and toast to dipping in soups and sauces. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a foolproof recipe, making French bread at home is easier than you think. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bakery-quality loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Crispy crust, soft inside: The perfect texture that makes French bread irresistible.
• Versatile: Great for sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply enjoying warm with butter.
• Easy to make: With just a little time and effort, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread.
How to Make Homemade French Bread
1. Activate the yeast – In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the dough – Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook on your stand mixer for 5-8 minutes.
3. Let it rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the loaves – Punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, and shape each into a baguette or round loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. ( I used my silicone bread molds found on Amazon.)
6. Second rise – Cover and let the dough rest for another hour while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake to perfection – Make a few slashes on the top of the loaves with a sharp knife. Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and enjoy – Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Tips for the Best French Bread
• Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead well to develop the perfect texture.
• Let it rise fully for a light, airy crumb.
• Pour a little water in the oven before baking to create a crispier crust.
How to Enjoy Your Homemade French Bread
• Fresh with Butter – The simplest and best way to enjoy it
• As a Sandwich Base – Perfect for deli sandwiches or paninis
• For Garlic Bread – Slice, spread with butter and garlic, and toast
• With Soups and Stews – Great for dipping into hearty broths and sauces
• French Toast or Bruschetta – A great way to use up leftovers
Why Homemade French Bread is Worth It
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread. Not only does it taste better than store-bought versions, but it also fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and wholesome loaf every time. Whether you’re baking for your family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, homemade French bread is always a great idea.
Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of fresh-baked bread. Have you ever made French bread at home? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me if you share your baking success on social media!
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Homemade French Bread
Equipment
- 1 Stand or Hand Mixer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Sheet Pan for Bread
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 C Warm Water
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Packets Active Dry Yeast
- 2 Tbsp Oil extra virgin
- 2 tsp Salt
- 5-6 C Bread Flour
Instructions
- Add warm water, yeast and sugar to mixing bowl.
- Whisk to combine and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients to bowl. (Start with 5 C of bread flour and add more if dough is too wet. I used a total of 6 C.)
- Knead with dough hook for 5-8 minutes.
- Oil or butter your resting bowl.
- Add dough and let rest/rise for one hour.
- Punch dough down and begin to form loaves.
- I split dough into two, forming into loaf shape and placing slits on top.
- Let loaves sit in loaf pan for an additional 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees C.
- Bake loaves in the oven for 35 minutes.
