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 4 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 place until it’s doubled 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!

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Easy French Bread Recipe

Easy French Bread Recipe

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  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 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

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