Homemade French Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a crusty, warm loaf of bread fresh from the oven, then you know homemade bread has a magic all its own. This Homemade French Bread Recipe is a true treasure for your kitchen—simple ingredients come together to create a loaf with a perfectly crisp crust and tender, airy crumb that tastes like it took hours more than it actually did. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just venturing into bread-making, this recipe offers a fantastic way to bring a little French bakery charm right to your home. Get ready for a sensory experience that will have your family and friends begging for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Homemade French Bread Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward but incredibly essential to its wonderful flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role—from helping the yeast activate to creating the dough’s perfect elasticity and, of course, giving you that inviting golden color on the crust.

• 2 cups warm water (about 105°F): The perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it, crucial for a good rise.
• 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast: This is what makes your dough bubbly and full of life—don’t skip it!
• 2 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop flavor and color during baking.
• 5 cups (650 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour: The foundation of your bread; bread flour gives extra chewiness, but all-purpose flour works beautifully too.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for balanced dough.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Adds slight tenderness and richness to the dough.
• Melted salted butter (optional): A final glorious brush that adds flavor and shine to your crust.

How to Make Homemade French Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it begins to foam. This simple bubbling action is the yeast waking up, and it’s a beautiful sign that your bread is going to rise perfectly.

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and salt. Slowly add the foamy yeast mixture and mix on medium-low speed or stir by hand. Gradually knead in another 1/2 cup of flour, adding more flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth but not sticky. This step is where you feel the texture changing, and it’s so satisfying to touch the dough become elastic and soft under your hands.

Step 3: Rest the dough

Rub olive oil around your dough ball to keep it from drying out and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes, or longer if you have time—up to 1 hour is perfect for developing flavor. This quiet rest period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to shape later.

Step 4: Shape the loaves

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it in half. Roll one half into a rectangle about 15 inches long, then gently roll it up into a cylinder starting from the long side. Pinch the seams closed, tuck the ends under, and round the edges to shape a lovely loaf. Place it on a prepared baking sheet and repeat with the other half. This shaping step brings your bread’s classic French loaf look to life.

Step 5: Let the bread rise again

Cover the loaves lightly with a towel and allow them to rise again for 30 to 60 minutes. The longer you let them rest now, the lighter and airier your bread will be. You want them puffed and almost doubled, ready to bake into golden perfection.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F, then bake the loaves on a lined baking sheet for 17 to 23 minutes until the crust turns beautifully golden brown. Tap the bread gently — if it sounds hollow, it’s done! If it browns too quickly, shield the tops with foil and reduce the heat to 375°F to finish baking without burning.

Step 7: Finishing touches

After baking, brush the tops with melted salted butter if you like for a shiny, flavorful crust. Slice the bread warm and enjoy the crispy crust paired with its light, airy inside. This final step elevates the whole experience and makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade French Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread is a dream canvas that welcomes all kinds of garnishes or toppings. Brush it with garlic butter for a fragrant appetizer, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt for a burst of flavor, or add some fresh herbs like rosemary right after baking. These touches add layers of aroma and taste that make every bite an adventure.

Side Dishes

French bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy cheeses, and charcuterie boards. Think of dipping it into tomato basil soup, scooping up thick stews, or enjoying it alongside a platter of sharp cheddar and cured meats. It’s the perfect support act to your meal’s star flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your homemade French bread doesn’t need to be ordinary. Wrap slices in parchment for a rustic picnic touch, create mini sandwiches for a charming party platter, or toast and top with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a trendy snack. Its versatility shines bright in every presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Homemade French Bread Recipe leftovers, store them in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature to maintain the crust’s crunchiness for up to two days. Avoid plastic bags unless you prefer a softer crust, as moisture buildup can make the bread chewy rather than crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature and then refresh the crust in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain that bakery-fresh texture and aroma.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat slices or whole loaves in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores crispiness without drying out the crumb inside. A quick brush of butter before warming adds moisture and shine, lifting the bread back to its freshly baked glory.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Bread flour will give you a chewier texture due to its higher protein content. All-purpose flour works well too and produces a slightly softer crumb. Both options yield delicious results.

How do I know when the yeast is properly activated?

You’ll see a foamy layer forming on top of the warm water mixture with yeast and sugar within 5 to 10 minutes. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.

Why should the dough not be sticky but smooth?

A slightly tacky dough is normal, but too sticky dough is hard to shape and may not rise well. Adding flour incrementally until the dough is smooth and elastic gives you the best bakery-style texture and makes kneading easier.

Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate it?

Yes, refrigerating the dough after the first rise slows fermentation and can enhance flavor. Just cover the dough tightly and let it rest overnight; bring it back to room temperature before shaping and the second rise.

What’s the best way to slice homemade French bread without crushing it?

Use a serrated bread knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion. Let the knife do the work rather than pressing down, so the loaf keeps its lovely air pockets intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about baking your own bread from scratch, and this Homemade French Bread Recipe is a perfect place to start. It combines simplicity, tradition, and deliciousness in every step and every bite. So go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to the warm, crusty goodness that only fresh-baked French bread can bring. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Homemade French Bread Recipe

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This Homemade French Bread recipe delivers classic, crusty loaves with a soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or dipping. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps involving yeast activation, kneading, rising, and baking, you can enjoy authentic bakery-style French bread made fresh at home.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 32 servings (approximately 2 large loaves, about 16 slices each)
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups warm water (about 105°F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 5 cups (650 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (more as needed)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Optional

• Melted salted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until it begins to foam, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare Dough Base: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture on medium-low speed or by hand.
3. Knead Dough: Gradually knead in an additional 1/2 cup increments of the remaining flour until the dough is smooth but not sticky, using more or less flour as needed depending on your climate and humidity.
4. First Rest and Rise: Rub olive oil over the dough ball, cover the bowl with a towel, and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. For better flavor and texture, allow it to rise up to 1 hour if time permits.
5. Shape Loaves: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface, divide it in half, and set one half aside. Roll the other half into a 15-inch rectangle, then starting from the long side, roll it into a cylinder shape.
6. Prepare for Second Rise: Tuck in both ends and pinch the seams to seal. Round the edges and place the loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Repeat the process with the second half of dough. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cover lightly with a towel and let rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the loaves for 17 to 23 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. If browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil and reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C).
8. Serve: Optionally brush the tops with melted salted butter for added flavor and softness in the crust. Slice the French bread and serve warm for best enjoyment.

Notes

• Use warm water around 105°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Flour quantity may vary depending on humidity and flour type; add a little at a time until dough is smooth and not sticky.
• Longer rising times enhance flavor and texture, so let dough rise as long as can be accommodated.
• Make diagonal cuts on the dough before baking to help control expansion and provide the classic French bread look.
• Brushing with melted butter after baking is optional but adds richness and a tender crust.