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This simple and easy homemade French bread recipe will soon become a staple in your home as it combines basic ingredients to make two delicious loaves of french bread that are crispy on the outside and soft and light on the inside. Your family will be begging you to make homemade bread over and over again, thank goodness it is so easy!

 

Easy Homemade French Bread

It’s no secret of my love for bread and this homemade easy french bread recipe is one of my favorites. It reminds me so much of the bread we get at the bakery, but it is made right in your own kitchen. And as a bonus, it is so easy to make and tastes amazing! I literally eat it by the slice with butter and even some jam sometimes. 

Once you try this recipe you will find yourself making it multiple times a week! 

If your family loves bread as much as ours does, be sure to try our 2 ingredient Air Fryer Naan Bread as well as our easy Amish White Bread! 

What kind of flour should I use when making french bread?

Any time you are making bread you should try to always use bread flour. This flour is specifically designed for making bread. In a pinch, you can always use regular all-purpose flour if that is all you have on hand. 

 

How to make this homemade bread recipe

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1. In a large bowl place hot water and active dry yeast until yeast becomes foamy about ten minutes.
2. Add olive oil to the yeast mixture
3. Mix together salt and Flour
4. Place half of flour in mixer using the dough hook for 2 minutes
5. Add rest of flour and continue mixing for 4 minutes on low
6. Remove and place in a oiled bowl for 2 hours or until doubled
7. Cut dough in half and roll each piece out with a rolling pin
8. Roll up each piece in a jelly roll fashion tucking the ends in
9. Put each bread on a greesed baking sheet topped with cornmeal
10. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour
11. Preheat oven to 425
12. Cut slits in the top of the loaf of bread
13. brush on an eggwash
14. bake bread for 18 minutes until golden brown

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Tips Tricks and FAQs

• Be sure to proof your yeast first. Combine your warm water, yeats, and sugar and let it sit and begin to foam prior to using. This takes about 5 minutes. 
• Add the flour slowly in between kneading. Adding the flour all at once will cause your dough to be denser. 
• Pick a warm spot for your dough to rise. Be sure it is not anywhere where it will have a draft of the cold outside air. 
• For a softer crust, add butter as soon as you remove it from the oven. 
• For a Crusty Crust Place 4 ice cubes in the bottom of your oven

 

Storage

You will want to store your leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container. This should last up to 3 days. 

 

Great Meals to go with your French Bread

• Easy Hamburger French Onion Casserole
• Instant Pot French Onion Soup
• Stuffed French Toast
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Can I freeze french bread?

Yes, this french bread recipe does freeze well. Be sure to bake it and let it completely cool. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 1 month in the freezer. 

 

How can I get a Golden Crispy French Bread Crust?

When I learned to make bread years ago, I learned this little trick, and let me tell you it totally works when you want a nice crispy golden crust!

When you go to place your bread in the oven, place 3-4 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven and close the door quickly, but gently. (Slamming it will make your bread fall). This will help get a nice outer crust of the bread. 

 

Can I use whole wheat flour to make this french bread?

You can use whole wheat flour to make this french bread. Please note that it will be more dense than bread made with white flour. If you are going to experiment with whole wheat I would start with 25% whole wheat to 75% bread flour to start and then gradually change the ratio over time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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