Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe

I absolutely love making bread from scratch, and this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to share with friends and family. There’s something magical about taking simple pantry staples and transforming them into warm, crusty loaves with a soft, airy crumb inside. It’s incredibly rewarding, and the aroma that fills my kitchen while baking this bread is simply irresistible. Plus, this recipe is so approachable that even if you’re new to bread baking, you’ll find yourself enjoying every step of the process.

Why You'll Love This Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe

One of the things that truly makes this recipe stand out for me is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crust turns out beautifully golden and crisp, while the inside stays wonderfully soft and chewy. It’s got just the right touch of saltiness and a gentle hint of olive oil that enhances its aroma without overpowering the bread’s natural wheaty goodness. Every bite is comforting and fresh-tasting, like a classic bakery loaf you’d pay top dollar for.

What I appreciate most is how straightforward this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe is. No complicated ingredients or advanced techniques—just a few simple pantry staples, some patience, and easy-to-follow steps. I’ve made it over and over, and whether I’m using bread flour or all-purpose, it reliably delivers fantastic results. It’s a perfect recipe to bake if you want to impress your guests or just treat your family to homemade bread without fussing over tricky steps.

I love serving this bread at almost any occasion. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner alongside a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad. I also bring it out for holiday gatherings where it complements rich dishes beautifully. And of course, it’s amazing around the holidays for making garlic bread or bruschetta. What sets it apart is how effortlessly it upgrades whatever you pair it with, making every meal feel special.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect loaf. From the yeast that helps the dough rise, to the oils that provide moisture and flavor, every element counts.

• Warm water: This activates the yeast and helps develop the dough’s structure.
• Granulated sugar: A little sugar feeds the yeast for a nice rise and a mild sweetness in the bread.
• Yeast (instant or active dry): The magic ingredient that makes your bread rise and become airy inside.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Olive or vegetable oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the crust and crumb.
• All-purpose or bread flour: Provides the structure and texture; bread flour yields a chewier crumb while all-purpose works great for a lighter loaf.

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. If you're using active dry yeast, let this mixture sit for about 3-5 minutes until it bubbles and foams, signaling the yeast is alive and kicking. For instant yeast, you can jump right to the next step without waiting.

Step 2: Add the salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Start mixing on a low speed, then gradually add the remaining 2 ½ to 3 cups of flour, a little at a time. You’re looking for a dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft ball that barely sticks to your fingers.

Step 3: Knead the dough on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it clings too much to the sides, sprinkle in an extra ¼ cup of flour to get that perfect texture — sturdy but still soft.

Step 4: For rising, you can choose between two methods: either leave the dough in the mixer covered with a towel and let it rest in ten-minute intervals, stirring it down briefly between rests for about an hour, or transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl covered with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise undisturbed for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Once risen, turn the dough onto a greased surface, divide it in half, and form each piece into a thick rectangle approximately 9 by 13 inches. Roll each rectangle tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam by pinching it closed. Place the loaves seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 6: Using a bread lame or a very sharp knife, score angled slashes across the top of each loaf. This step lets steam escape and helps the bread expand beautifully while baking.

Step 7: Cover the loaves with greased plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, then let them rise for about an hour until puffed and nearly doubled in size. This second rise is key to getting that classic airy French bread texture.

Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the center position. If you like your crust extra golden, you can bump the temperature up to 400 or 425 degrees, just keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 9: For an irresistibly crisp crust, toss 3-4 ice cubes onto the bottom of the oven immediately after placing the loaves inside, then quickly close the door. The steam created cooks the crust perfectly crisp without drying the crumb.

Step 10: Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped underneath.

Step 11: Once out of the oven, you can brush the hot loaves with melted butter for a softer crust or leave them as-is for a crunchier finish. Let the bread cool a bit on a wire rack before slicing to enjoy every delightful bite.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about two large loaves, which can easily slice into 24 servings depending on how thick you cut the slices. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, but the dough needs time to rise and rest, so the total dough rising time is about 2 hours. Baking takes another 25-30 minutes, with a total of about 3 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish if you include resting and cooling. It’s a great recipe to plan out a relaxed baking day and enjoy the results well beyond mealtime.

How to Serve This Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe

I love serving this French bread warm enough to enjoy its crisp crust but not so hot that it burns your fingers. It pairs beautifully with classic accompaniments like a creamy butter, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a casual meal, I often tear off chunks to dip into steaming bowls of tomato soup or silky butternut squash bisque – the perfect combination for chilly evenings.

For a party or holiday gathering, this bread shines as a base for bruschetta or crostini topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. I also love slicing it thickly and serving alongside a hearty charcuterie board loaded with cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fruit. Garnishing your bread platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers adds such a lovely touch and makes the presentation really pop.

As for drinks, I often reach for a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly Prosecco, which balances the bread’s richness. Non-alcoholic sparkling water with a lemon wedge is another refreshing choice. This bread works well for every occasion, whether it’s an intimate family dinner, an informal brunch, or festive parties. If you have leftovers, it tastes wonderful toasted the next day too!

Variations

I’m always experimenting with variations of this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want a heartier loaf, try swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour— it adds a nutty flavor and a denser texture. For a dairy-free or vegan version, just make sure to use vegan-friendly oils and avoid butter when brushing the crust.

Adding herbs or seeds is another fun twist. I sometimes mix in dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic lift, or sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking to add texture and a subtle nutty note. If you’re short on time, you can also shape smaller rolls instead of loaves, which cut down the baking time and are perfect for sandwiches or snack-sized portions.

If you want to test a different cooking method, baking this bread on a preheated baking stone can mimic the effect of a professional bread oven, giving an even crisper crust. I also occasionally add a few cloves of roasted garlic into the dough for a rich, mellow garlic flavor throughout the bread that’s absolutely addictive.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover French bread, I recommend storing it in a paper bag or wrapping it loosely in a clean kitchen towel to help retain some crispness while preventing it from drying out completely. Keep it at room temperature and avoid plastic wrap as it traps moisture, which can result in a soggy crust. The bread is best eaten within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully if you want to save some for later. Wrap your cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag to protect against freezer burn. Frozen French bread will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the loaf at room temperature still wrapped, then refresh it in the oven to bring back its crisp crust.

Reheating

To reheat and restore the bread’s texture, I always preheat my oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any plastic wrap and place the loaf directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet, heating for 10-15 minutes until it’s warm all the way through and the crust has crisped up again. Avoid using a microwave as it softens the crust and makes the bread gummy. If you want to soften the crust slightly, brush the top with a bit of water or olive oil before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour works fine and produces a slightly lighter loaf. Bread flour has more protein, which gives the bread a chewier texture and better structure, but you’ll still get delicious results using all-purpose flour.

How do I know if my yeast is still good to use?

If using active dry yeast, proof it by mixing it with warm water and a little sugar, then waiting 3-5 minutes to see if it bubbles and foams. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, but if your dough doesn’t rise, it might be time to buy fresh yeast.

Why does my bread sometimes turn out too dense?

This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise enough, or if you added too much flour making it dry. Be sure to allow adequate rising time in a warm spot and only add flour gradually until the dough feels soft and elastic.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Just keep the ingredient ratios the same. If you double it for a larger batch, you might need a bigger mixing bowl or divide the dough for easier handling.

What’s the best way to score the bread for beautiful oven spring?

I use a very sharp bread lame or a razor blade to make quick, confident angled cuts on the dough’s surface. Sharp tools prevent deflating the loaf and help guide the bread’s expansion while baking.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe highly enough. It’s approachable, rewarding, and the loaves you create will fill your home with the warmest, most comforting aromas. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just your everyday meals, this bread adds that perfect homemade touch that always impresses. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

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