Fluffy Homemade French Bread Recipe: Bake Like a Pro Today

Fresh bread straight from the oven fills kitchens with an irresistible homemade French bread recipe that beckons everyone to the table.

Golden crusts and soft interiors create magic with simple ingredients.

Warm, crusty loaves signal comfort and satisfaction with every slice.

Baking bread connects us to centuries of culinary tradition and brings pure joy to cooking.

Each knead and fold builds anticipation for that perfect crisp exterior and pillowy center.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike treasure this classic recipe.

You’ll fall in love with the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Homemade French Bread Tasty Features

• Craft Easy Bread: Beginners can confidently create delicious homemade French bread with basic ingredients and simple steps.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with added herbs, cheese, or different flour types to personalize your bread and make it uniquely yours.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a fresh, warm loaf that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
• Master Essential Baking Skill: Learn fundamental bread-making techniques that translate to creating other types of bread and pastries.

Ingredients for Homemade French Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides the structure and texture of the French bread.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and helps control yeast growth in the bread.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect bread dough consistency.
• Olive Oil: Helps keep the dough moist and adds a subtle flavor to the bread.

• Active Dry Yeast, Sugar: Yeast feeds on sugar and creates the rise and airy texture of the bread. The sugar helps activate the yeast's fermentation process.

• Butter: Adds a rich, golden sheen and extra flavor to the bread's crust when brushed on top.

How to Make Homemade French Bread

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a bowl and mix warm water, yeast, and sugar.

Let the mixture sit quietly for about 5 minutes until it becomes beautifully foamy and bubbly.

This magical moment signals your yeast is ready to work its delicious magic.

Step 2: Create the Dough Foundation

Pour flour and salt into your mixer bowl.

Slowly incorporate the foamy yeast mixture, stirring until everything comes together into a shaggy, promising dough.

The transformation begins!

Step 3: Develop Dough Texture

Start adding remaining flour gradually.

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

The texture should feel soft and supple, no longer sticky to the touch.

Your hands are creating bread magic!

Step 4: First Peaceful Rise

Gently coat the dough with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm spot.

Give the dough 15-30 minutes to relax and grow (up to an hour for even better results).

Step 5: Shape Beautiful Loaves

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Roll each piece into a lovely 15-inch rectangle.

Carefully roll each rectangle into a cylinder, pinching the seams closed to seal in all the wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Create Signature Scoring

Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf.

These beautiful marks aren’t just decorative – they help the bread expand perfectly during baking.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the loaves and let them rise again for 30-60 minutes.

Watch them become beautifully puffy and full of potential.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the loaves into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake for 17-23 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Listen for the hollow sound when tapped – the ultimate bread-baking success signal!

Step 9: Final Flourish

Optional but delightful: brush the warm loaves with melted butter.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the incredible bread you’ve created from scratch!

Tips for French Bread Baking at Home

• Use water between 100-110°F to ensure optimal yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Add flour incrementally during kneading to achieve a smooth, elastic texture that's not too dry or sticky.
• Roll dough gently but firmly to create tight, even loaves without releasing air pockets that contribute to bread's texture.
• Spray water inside oven or place a shallow pan with water on bottom rack to create steam, resulting in a crunchier, golden-brown crust.
• Dust baking sheet with cornmeal or parchment paper to ensure easy bread removal and prevent burning.

Fun Ways to Change Up French Bread

• Whole Wheat French Bread: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf with a nutty flavor and added fiber.
• Herb-Infused French Bread: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dough for an aromatic and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with soups and salads.
• Gluten-Free French Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to create a similar texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Almond Flour Bread: Substitute traditional flour with almond flour and add extra eggs for a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate alternative that's keto-friendly.

Homemade French Bread Serving Inspiration

• Rustic Picnic Companion: Pack slices with cheese, cured meats, and fresh herbs for a delightful outdoor feast that celebrates French countryside flavors.
• Breakfast Breakfast Delight: Toast lightly and spread with creamy butter, homemade jam, or scrambled eggs for a morning treat that feels like a Parisian café experience.
• Soup's Perfect Partner: Slice and serve alongside hearty soups, stews, or use as a dipping bread to soak up rich, flavorful broths and add texture to your meal.
• Appetizer Base: Cut into small rounds, top with bruschetta, olive tapenade, or soft goat cheese for elegant party nibbles that impress guests with minimal effort.

Storing Homemade French Bread Fresh

• Keep your freshly baked French bread in an airtight container or plastic wrap for 2-3 days at room temperature, ensuring it stays soft and delicious.
• Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its classic texture and flavor.
• Cut the bread into individual portions before freezing, allowing you to thaw only what you need for quick and convenient meals.
• Sprinkle water on the crust and warm in the oven at 300F for 5-10 minutes to restore its crispy exterior and soft interior.

FAQs

• What makes French bread different from other breads?

French bread has a simple ingredient list with just flour, water, yeast, and salt, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior unique to traditional French baking methods.

• Can I make this bread without a mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon to mix initially, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

When you mix yeast with warm water and sugar, it should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes. If no foam develops, your yeast is likely dead and won’t work for bread making.

Homemade French Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crusty, golden homemade French bread brings rustic charm from traditional French bakeries straight to kitchen counters. Warm slices with crisp exterior and pillowy center invite bread enthusiasts to savor authentic European baking magic with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Flour and Liquid):

• 5 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 cups warm water (105°F/40.5°C)

Leavening and Sweetening Agents:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2.5 teaspoons white sugar

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2.5 teaspoons table or fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Melted salted butter for brushing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by blending warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and blend until a cohesive dough begins to form.
3. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, kneading until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
4. Lightly coat the dough with olive oil, place in a clean bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest and expand for 15-30 minutes in a warm environment.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each section into a long, rectangular shape, then carefully roll into cylindrical loaves, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
6. Using a sharp knife, create three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf, allowing steam to escape during baking.
7. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 30-60 minutes until they appear puffy and increased in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the loaves for 17-23 minutes, monitoring until they turn a rich golden brown and produce a hollow sound when tapped.
9. Optional: Brush the freshly baked loaves with melted butter for added richness. Serve warm for the most delightful texture and flavor.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely by using water between 100-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
• Handle dough gently during kneading to develop gluten structure without overworking, which can make bread tough and dense.
• Control moisture carefully by adding flour incrementally, stopping when dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Try alternative flours like whole wheat or rye for different nutritional profiles and unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg