Easy Homemade French Bread

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to make bakery-style French bread at home, this Easy Homemade French Bread recipe is exactly what you need. With a golden crust and soft, fluffy inside, it’s the perfect side for soups, stews, pastas, or even to enjoy with just a bit of butter. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Crusty – Golden, crispy crust just like your favorite bakery bread.
Soft on the Inside – Light, airy, and tender inside texture.
Beginner-Friendly – No bread machine or stand mixer required.
Affordable – Uses basic pantry ingredients.
Versatile – Great for sandwiches, toasts, or dipping in olive oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

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

For Topping:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife or bread lame
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough
3. Add salt and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Gradually add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a soft dough forms.
5. When the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky, it’s ready for kneading.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
6. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
7. Knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
8. Shape it into a ball.

Step 4: First Rise
9. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough ball inside.
10. Turn the dough once to coat all sides.
11. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
12. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bread
13. Punch down the risen dough to release air.
14. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
15. Shape each into a long loaf (about 12 inches long).
16. Place loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly dusted with cornmeal.

Step 6: Second Rise
17. Cover the loaves loosely with a towel.
18. Let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven
19. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
20. Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack—this creates steam for a crusty loaf.

Step 8: Slash and Brush
21. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make 3–4 diagonal slashes on top of each loaf.
22. Brush the tops with egg white wash for a shiny, golden crust.

Step 9: Bake the Bread
23. Place the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack.
24. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
25. Cool the loaves on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Homemade French Bread
Use Fresh Yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam in step 1, start over with fresh yeast.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour – A slightly sticky dough is better than a dry one.
Let It Rise Fully – Don’t rush the proofing process; it helps develop flavor and texture.
Steam = Crust – The pan of water is crucial for getting that signature French bread crust.
Cool Before Slicing – Letting the bread cool allows the crumb to set properly.

Serving Suggestions
Classic Garlic Bread – Slice, butter, sprinkle with garlic and herbs, and broil.
Soup Companion – Perfect alongside creamy tomato or French onion soup.
Sandwich Base – Slice for hearty deli-style sandwiches.
Toasted with Jam – Great for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
Bruschetta – Top with diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Keep in a paper bag or wrapped in a towel for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Slice and store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
Toaster: For individual slices, just pop in the toaster.
Microwave: Not ideal, but can be used briefly (10–15 seconds) to soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
2. Can I make one big loaf instead of two?
   Definitely. Just increase the baking time by 5–8 minutes and check for doneness.
3. What’s the best flour for French bread?
   All-purpose works great, but for a chewier texture, you can use bread flour.
4. Why do I need to slash the dough?
   Slashing allows steam to escape and helps the bread expand properly in the oven.
5. How do I make it whole wheat?
   Swap up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat flour and add an extra tablespoon of water if needed.

Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in your kitchen. This Easy Homemade French Bread brings warmth, flavor, and rustic charm to any meal without any complicated steps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread that rivals any bakery loaf. Try it out, share it with family or friends, and don’t forget to save a slice for yourself!

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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