Easy French Bread Recipe

I’ve always been a bit intimidated by the idea of baking bread. It just seemed so… complicated. But then I discovered this Easy French Bread recipe, and it totally changed my perspective. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the result is a delicious, crusty loaf that rivals anything I could buy at the bakery.

Now, I bake this bread all the time. There’s something so satisfying about creating a loaf of bread from scratch, and the aroma that fills my kitchen while it’s baking is just heavenly. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. I use it for sandwiches, toast, dipping in soups and sauces… the possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This French Bread

  • Simple and Delicious: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. And the result is a delicious, crusty loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Freshly Baked Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the taste and smell of freshly baked bread. This recipe will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
  • Versatile: This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, dipping in soups and sauces, or just enjoying on its own.
  • Budget-Friendly: Baking your own bread is a great way to save money and enjoy a healthier, more flavorful alternative to store-bought bread.

Ingredients for French Bread

Here’s what I use to make this delicious bread:

  • Yeast: This is what makes the bread rise and gives it that light and airy texture. I use Red Star yeast, but any active dry yeast should work.
  • Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the bread.
  • Kosher Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the bread.
  • Warm Water: The water needs to be warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient in the bread. I usually start with 6 cups and add more as needed to get the right consistency.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas for variations:

  • Herby Bread: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Garlic Bread: Mix some minced garlic into the dough or brush the top of the bread with garlic butter before baking.
  • Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier and nuttier flavor.
  • Seeded Bread: Add some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.

How to Make French Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Easy French Bread Recipe

I start by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm water in my stand mixer. I give it a quick stir with a spatula and then let it sit for about 15 minutes to activate the yeast. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is bubbly.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Easy French Bread Recipe

Next, I add the salt and about 3 cups of flour to the mixer. I let the mixer run on low speed and gradually add more flour until the dough reaches the right consistency. It should be slightly sticky but still easy to handle.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Easy French Bread Recipe

I grease a large bowl with some oil and place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat it in the oil. Then, I cover the bowl with a clean dishtowel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 Hour 30 Minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Form the Loaves

Easy French Bread Recipe

Once the dough has risen, I turn it out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into two equal pieces. I shape each piece into a loaf and place them in a French Baguette Pan.

Step 5: Let Rise Again

I cover the loaves with a clean dishtowel and let them rise again until they’re almost doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Easy French Bread Recipe

I use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal slashes in the top of each loaf. This allows the steam to escape while baking and creates a beautiful crust. Then, I beat an egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash. Finally, I sprinkle a little kosher salt on top.

Step 7: Bake

I bake the bread in a preheated 400°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Easy French Bread Recipe

I remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

  • Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm, but not hot, when you activate the yeast.
  • Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but still easy to handle. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
  • Rising Time: The rising time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.

How to Serve

Easy French Bread Recipe

This Easy French Bread is delicious in so many ways! Here are a few ideas:

  • Sandwiches: It makes the perfect sandwich bread.
  • Toast: Toast it up and enjoy it with butter, jam, or avocado.
  • Dipping: Use it for dipping in soups, sauces, or olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
  • Storing Bread: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour or whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10-15 minutes.

3. How can I tell if the bread is done?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Easy French Bread. I hope you enjoy it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy French Bread Recipe

Easy French Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 Slices 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This Easy French Bread Recipe yields a delicious, crusty loaf with a soft interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or enjoying on its own!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 0.5 tablespoon yeast – (I love using Red Star for consistent results.)
  • 0.5 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1.25 cups warm water
  • 3 to 3.25 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Using a large standing mixer, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water (warmed between 100-110 degrees F). Take a spatula, and stir it around a couple of times. Then let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the yeast activates. You should see a bubbly mixture when it’s ready.
  2. Add Flour: Start by adding the salt and about four cups of flour to the mixer. Let the mixer run, and occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Gradually add more flour until you get a nice dough consistency. It should be slightly sticky, but easy to handle.   
  3. First Rise: Grease a large bowl with canola or olive oil. Remove the dough from the mixer, and form it into a ball, punching it down so that it becomes smooth. Then place it in the bowl seam side down and cover it with a clean dishtowel. Place the bowl in a warm corner of your kitchen and let rise until approximately doubled in size.
  4. Form Loaves: Once the bread rises, it’s time to form the dough into desired shapes. Prepare bread pans or jelly roll pans with baking spray. Add a little oil to a pastry mat or a large flat surface (a cutting board works too), and form sections of dough into oblong shapes for large French bread, or into smaller shapes for buns or smaller loaves.
  5. Second Rise: Cover dough with clean dish towels and let it rise again, until almost doubled in size.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Use a sharp serrated edge knife (or a bread lame) to cut diagonal slits in the tops of the bread. Beat one large egg (with a splash of water), and using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer over the tops of bread/rolls. Add a sprinkle of kosher salt.
  7. Bake: Bake bread in a preheated 400 degree oven, until done, approximately 25 minutes. The bottoms should be slightly browned, and the tops a nice golden brown. Remove bread to a cooling rack.

Notes

  • Measuring: If you have a scale, measure the ingredients in grams, especially the water and flour, for best consistency.
  • Rising Time: Rising time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
  • Scoring: Use a very sharp knife or a bread lame to score the bread without deflating it.
  • Storing: This bread is best fresh the first day! It can be stored in airtight bags on the counter for 2-3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this bread in freezer bags for up to three months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

204 thoughts on “Easy French Bread Recipe”

  1. Hi there! I’m trying this recipe today and am excited, but I noticed the measurements don’t match. I think I can manage by eye but the recipe reads 3-3.5 cups of flour in the ingredients section but then says “add four cups of flour” in the written instructions. Just wanted to let you know. Thank you so much for all the yummy recipes you share!

    Reply
  2. Online drugstore Australia [url=http://pharmau24.com/#]Licensed online pharmacy AU[/url] online pharmacy australia

    Reply
  3. Medications online Australia [url=http://pharmau24.com/#]Discount pharmacy Australia[/url] pharmacy online australia

    Reply
  4. antibiotic without presription [url=https://biotpharm.com/#]buy antibiotics online[/url] get antibiotics without seeing a doctor

    Reply
  5. pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]pharmacie internet fiable France[/url] pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance

    Reply
  6. cialis sans ordonnance [url=https://ciasansordonnance.shop/#]Cialis generique sans ordonnance[/url] commander Cialis en ligne sans prescription

    Reply
  7. Viagra generique en pharmacie [url=https://viasansordonnance.com/#]Viagra generique en pharmacie[/url] Meilleur Viagra sans ordonnance 24h

    Reply
  8. pharmacie en ligne [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]acheter medicaments sans ordonnance[/url] pharmacie en ligne fiable

    Reply
  9. pharmacie en ligne [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.shop/#]Pharmacies en ligne certifiees[/url] acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance

    Reply
  10. acheter Viagra sans ordonnance [url=https://viasansordonnance.com/#]Viagra sans ordonnance 24h[/url] livraison rapide Viagra en France

    Reply
  11. Pharmacie sans ordonnance [url=https://ciasansordonnance.com/#]cialis generique[/url] traitement ED discret en ligne

    Reply
  12. pharmacie en ligne [url=http://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]Pharmacies en ligne certifiees[/url] Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe

    Reply
  13. pharmacie en ligne pas cher [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.shop/#]pharmacie en ligne sans prescription[/url] pharmacie en ligne france fiable

    Reply
  14. Acheter Cialis 20 mg pas cher [url=http://ciasansordonnance.com/#]traitement ED discret en ligne[/url] Cialis sans ordonnance 24h

    Reply
  15. Meilleur Viagra sans ordonnance 24h [url=http://viasansordonnance.com/#]viagra en ligne[/url] prix bas Viagra generique

    Reply
  16. Viagra generique en pharmacie [url=http://viasansordonnance.com/#]Viagra pas cher livraison rapide france[/url] prix bas Viagra generique

    Reply
  17. commander Cialis en ligne sans prescription [url=http://ciasansordonnance.com/#]cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Acheter Cialis

    Reply
  18. pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]commander sans consultation medicale[/url] Pharmacie Internationale en ligne

    Reply
  19. acheter medicaments sans ordonnance [url=http://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]acheter medicaments sans ordonnance[/url] п»їpharmacie en ligne france

    Reply
  20. pharmacie en ligne [url=https://pharmsansordonnance.com/#]pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance[/url] pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale

    Reply
  21. Nicely put, Kudos!
    casino en ligne
    Awesome facts. Kudos.
    casino en ligne
    Regards, Great stuff!
    meilleur casino en ligne
    Awesome advice Regards!
    casino en ligne
    You actually revealed this really well.
    casino en ligne
    Amazing content, Appreciate it!
    casino en ligne francais
    Many thanks, Quite a lot of tips!
    casino en ligne
    Wow all kinds of useful info!
    casino en ligne
    Nicely put, Thank you!
    casino en ligne fiable
    Thanks. Numerous material!
    casino en ligne

    Reply
  22. bequille pharmacie sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmacieexpress.com/#]diamox 250 sans ordonnance[/url] shampoing klorane pivoine

    Reply
  23. peut on voir un cardiologue sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmacieexpress.com/#]peut on acheter la pilule en pharmacie sans ordonnance[/url] valaciclovir sans ordonnance en pharmacie

    Reply
  24. caudalie rose des vignes [url=https://pharmacieexpress.shop/#]cytomel t3 en pharmacie sans ordonnance[/url] peut on acheter du viagra en pharmacie sans ordonnance en suisse

    Reply
  25. comprar aciclovir pastillas sin receta [url=https://confiapharma.com/#]puedo comprar anticonceptivos sin receta en espaГ±a[/url] mascarillas ffp3 comprar farmacia online

    Reply
  26. tachifene a cosa serve [url=http://farmaciasubito.com/#]farmacia zelli online[/url] farmacia per cani online

    Reply
  27. crГЁme antibiotique pour plaie infectГ©e sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmacieexpress.shop/#]sensilube durex[/url] librax sans ordonnance

    Reply
  28. prednicortone 5 mg comprar online sin receta [url=https://confiapharma.com/#]Confia Pharma[/url] farmacia iglesias online

    Reply
  29. clotrimazol comprar sin receta [url=https://confiapharma.shop/#]Confia Pharma[/url] semaglutida comprar sin receta

    Reply
  30. mГ©dicaments sur ordonnance [url=https://pharmacieexpress.shop/#]lodine 300 sans ordonnance[/url] liste mГ©dicaments sans ordonnance

    Reply
  31. comprar sulpirida sin receta [url=https://confiapharma.shop/#]Confia Pharma[/url] farmacia online comprar mascarillas

    Reply
  32. shampoing kelual ds [url=http://pharmacieexpress.com/#]avoir une ordonnance[/url] valium sans ordonnance en pharmacie

    Reply
  33. farmacia en tenerife online [url=https://confiapharma.com/#]farmacia veterinaria online san marino[/url] farmacia online low cost

    Reply
  34. medicament antidГ©presseur sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmacieexpress.com/#]solupred gГ©nГ©rique sans ordonnance[/url] achat tadalafil 10 mg

    Reply
  35. autotest covid farmacia online [url=https://confiapharma.com/#]se puede comprar aciclovir sin receta[/url] farmacia online potenza

    Reply
  36. farmacia online consegna veloce [url=https://farmaciasubito.com/#]voltaren compresse 100 mg[/url] cardiazol paracodina prezzo

    Reply
  37. weight loss mexican pills [url=http://pharmmex.com/#]can you buy norco in mexico[/url] los algodones pharmacy price list

    Reply
  38. online pharmacy propecia [url=http://pharmexpress24.com/#]Pharm Express 24[/url] can i buy viagra from tesco pharmacy

    Reply
  39. viagra pharmacy us [url=http://pharmexpress24.com/#]cialis internet pharmacy[/url] how much does cialis cost at a pharmacy

    Reply
  40. cheap online pharmacy india [url=http://inpharm24.com/#]buy medicine online india[/url] prescriptions from india

    Reply

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *