Easy Homemade French Bread

Craving that classic, crusty French bread from your favorite bakery? With this Easy Homemade French Bread recipe, you can bake it fresh right in your own kitchen. It’s golden and crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside—everything you love about French bread, made with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or serving alongside dinner, this recipe never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Style at Home – Crisp crust, soft interior, just like from a bakery.
Simple Ingredients – Uses only a few basic pantry staples.
No Special Equipment – No mixer or bread machine required.
Beginner Friendly – Easy to follow steps for perfect results every time.
Versatile Loaf – Serve it with anything, from pasta to breakfast toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the bowl)

For Finishing:

• 1 egg white (mixed with 1 tbsp water, for brushing)
• Cornmeal (optional, for dusting the baking sheet)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or bread lame
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy—this means it’s activated.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
3. Add salt and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
6. Knead for 6–8 minutes, adding a little more flour if needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise
7. Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning once to coat.
8. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
9. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves
10. Punch down the dough to release air.
11. Divide it into two equal portions.
12. Shape each into a long loaf, about 12 inches long.
13. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly dusted with cornmeal.

Step 6: Second Rise
14. Cover the shaped loaves loosely with a towel.
15. Let them rise for another 30–40 minutes, or until they appear puffy.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven
16. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
17. Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack to create steam, which gives the bread a crusty exterior.

Step 8: Slash and Brush
18. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make 3–4 diagonal slashes across each loaf.
19. Brush the tops with the egg white and water mixture for a glossy, golden finish.

Step 9: Bake
20. Place the loaves on the center oven rack.
21. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
22. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Perfect French Bread
Use Fresh Yeast – If it doesn’t foam in the beginning, start over with new yeast.
Measure Flour Carefully – Too much flour will make the bread dense.
Steam is Key – Don’t skip the pan of water—it helps create a crisp crust.
Cool Completely – Cutting too early lets steam escape, affecting texture.
Don’t Rush the Rise – Patience equals better texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Soup’s Best Friend – Pair with tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy chowder.
Garlic Bread – Slice, butter, sprinkle with garlic and herbs, and toast.
Sandwich Bread – Perfect base for grilled cheese or deli-style sandwiches.
French Toast – Day-old slices make the best French toast.
Appetizer Platter – Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or dips.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Wrap cooled bread in a towel or paper bag for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm whole loaves at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Toaster: Toast individual slices as needed.
Microwave: Warm slices for 10 seconds at a time—best if eating immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
   Yes, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly with the flour.
2. Can I make one big loaf instead of two?
   Absolutely. Just increase the baking time to about 30 minutes and keep an eye on the crust.
3. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
   Yes! Bread flour will give it a slightly chewier texture.
4. Why isn’t my bread rising?
   Check the temperature of your water—it should be warm, not hot. Also, make sure your yeast is not expired.
5. How can I get an even crispier crust?
   Spray water inside the oven or directly on the loaves during the first few minutes of baking for extra crustiness.

Final Thoughts
Homemade French bread is one of those small joys in life that brings big flavor. With its crispy crust and soft, airy crumb, this Easy Homemade French Bread is a go-to recipe for everything from family dinners to weekend brunches. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and you’ll never want to buy store-bought again.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 230mg

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