Homemade French Bread has a golden, crisp crust with a soft and fluffy center. This simple yeast bread makes two loaves using basic ingredients and bakes in just about 18 minutes.
I love homemade bread when it’s still slightly warm from the oven. This French bread is especially good sliced with butter, and the two-loaf recipe gives you plenty to enjoy or save for later.
Why I Love French Bread
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the bread its light texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure of the French bread.
- Salt: Adds flavor to the dough.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Cornmeal: Keeps the loaves from sticking and adds texture to the bottoms.
- Oil: Used to grease the bowl while the dough rises.
- Egg White: Brushed over the loaves for a golden crust.
- Ice Cubes: Create steam in the oven to help form a crisp crust.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Homemade French Bread
Make the Dough: Add the yeast to the warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until foamy. Stir in the oil. Combine the flour and salt, then gradually add the flour mixture while mixing with a dough hook until a smooth dough forms.
Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaves: Divide the dough in half and roll each piece out with a rolling pin. Roll each piece up jelly-roll style, tucking the ends underneath. Place on a greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
Rise Again: Cover the loaves and let them rise for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 425°F, cut several slits across the tops, and brush with egg white.
Bake: Place 3–4 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven to create steam for a crispier crust. Bake the loaves at 425°F for about 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Use warm water: Water that is too hot can prevent the yeast from rising properly.
- Give it time to rise: Let the dough double in size before shaping the loaves.
- Don’t skip the second rise: This helps give the bread a light, fluffy center.
- Add the ice cubes: The steam helps create that crisp French bread crust.
- Let it cool before slicing: Give the bread a few minutes to cool so the inside doesn’t become gummy.
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French Bread
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 large egg white
- 3–4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the warm water and yeast to a large bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes, or until foamy.Stir in the oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the liquid and half of the flour mixture to a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining flour and continue mixing on low for about 4 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll each piece out with a rolling pin, then roll it up jelly-roll style, tucking the ends underneath.
- Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut several slits across the tops of the loaves and brush with egg white.
- Place 3–4 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven to create steam. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Make sure the water is warm, not hot, so the yeast activates properly. Let the dough fully rise both times for light, fluffy bread. The ice cubes create steam for a crispier crust.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1 SliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 224mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 6g
I love making my own bread. This french bread looks delicious! I am going to make it next week to eat with our steak dinner this week. Yummy!
Actually i can’t explain how much good your recipe is!!!! i’m definitely gonna try this …and thanks a lot for this masterpiece ………….this is going to be a yummy journey!!!