Easy French Bread Recipe

Name: Easy French Bread Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 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

December 16, 2024November 22, 2024 by Hannah

Jump to Recipe·5 from 2 reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!