Homemade French Bread Recipe

This homemade French bread recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires just 90 minutes from start to finish. It has a crispy, golden crust with a soft and chewy interior, making it the perfect bread for sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply enjoying with butter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will give you bakery-quality results right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 90 minutes, perfect for last-minute baking.
• No special equipment required – Can be made with a stand mixer or by hand.
• Soft and chewy texture – The perfect balance of crusty outside and fluffy inside.
• Versatile – Enjoy it as a side, sandwich bread, or as the base for garlic bread.
• Better than store-bought – Fresh, homemade bread with simple ingredients and no preservatives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups warm water (about 105°F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• 5 cups (650 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (add more as needed)
• 2 ½ teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Melted salted butter (optional, for brushing)

Directions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and mix on medium-low speed or by hand.
4. Gradually knead in the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is smooth but not sticky.
5. Coat the dough with olive oil, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 15-30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more rise).

Shape the Loaves

6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it in half.
7. Roll each half into a rectangle (about 15 inches long).
8. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder, tucking the ends in and pinching the seams closed.
9. Place the loaves on a baking sheet, seam side down.
10. Make three diagonal cuts on top of each loaf and cover lightly with a towel.
11. Let the loaves rise for 30-60 minutes (the longer, the better).

Bake the Bread

12. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
13. Bake for 17-23 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.
14. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and lower the oven temperature to 375°F.
15. For extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter after baking.
16. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 32 (2 loaves)
• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Crispy crust: For a shinier, crispier crust, brush the top with a whisked egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon of water before baking.
• Steam method: Add a few ice cubes to the oven to create steam, which helps develop a crunchier crust.
• Garlic herb bread: Mix in minced garlic, dried herbs, or cheese for extra flavor.
• Whole wheat version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can use instant yeast, and there’s no need to activate it in water first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How do I get a crispier crust?

Brush with egg wash before baking or add steam to the oven by placing ice cubes in a pan on the lower rack.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Simply mix by hand and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What’s the best way to shape the loaves?

Roll the dough into a rectangle, then tightly roll it from the long edge, tucking in the ends and pinching the seams.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it may require more liquid and result in a denser texture. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour works best.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Flour absorption varies based on humidity and brand. Add flour gradually until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.

How can I make smaller loaves?

Divide the dough into four smaller loaves and adjust the baking time to about 15 minutes.

Can I add toppings to the bread?

Yes! Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese on top before baking.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh, and the water is warm (not too hot, which can kill the yeast).

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

This homemade French bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for dinner, sandwiches, or as a side for soups, this easy bread recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy fresh, warm, and perfectly crusty French bread straight from your oven!

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