Name: Homemade French Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2½ cups warm water (95–105°F); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ tablespoon salt; 5½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water

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Are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread? This Classic French Bread recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

With its soft and chewy interior and perfectly crisp, golden crust, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Best of all, it’s simple enough for anyone to make!

Why Make French Bread at Home?

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade bread. Not only does it taste better than store-bought bread, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more personalized loaf. Plus, the process of kneading and shaping dough can be a therapeutic activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2½ cups warm water (95-105 degrees F)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 tablespoon salt
5½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Mix the Dough:
Add olive oil, salt, and about half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix on low for 1-2 minutes until all the flour is incorporated. Gradually add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need up to an additional 1/2 cup of flour.
Knead and Rise:
Once the dough pulls away from the sides, mix on low for about 2 more minutes. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour until it is no longer sticky but remains soft. Turn off the mixer, cover the bowl with a towel, and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Loaves:
Lightly spray a large baking sheet or French bread loaf pans. Once your dough has risen, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle (about 14″ x 8″). Starting from the longer edge, roll each rectangle up, pressing out large air bubbles with your hands until you have two long, narrow loaves.
Final Rise:
Place the loaves onto prepared baking pans with seam sides down. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. While the bread is rising, prepare your egg wash by beating together an egg and water in a small bowl. Once the loaves have doubled in size, remove the towel and brush them with the egg wash using a pastry brush.
Score and Bake:
Score each loaf with about four angled slashes using a baker’s lame or razor blade. Place your baking pan in the hot oven and quickly add 5-6 ice cubes to the bottom of the oven to create steam, then shut the oven door immediately.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and baked through. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.

Storage Tips:

Storing: Wrap the bread loosely in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing: Wrap loaves in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag if they fit, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 183
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g
Sodium: 334mg

Final Thoughts:

Making homemade French bread is not only rewarding but also surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or simply enjoying it with butter, this classic recipe will bring a touch of France into your kitchen. Happy baking!

Homemade French Bread Recipe

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Author: Noura
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (serves 16 people) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Homemade French Bread is soft and chewy on the inside, with a golden, crisp crust on the outside. It’s a foolproof recipe perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

2½ cups warm water (95–105°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
¾ tablespoon salt
5½ cups all-purpose flour

Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
Add olive oil, salt, and half the flour. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined.
Gradually add remaining flour ½ cup at a time until dough pulls away from the bowl. Add up to ½ cup more flour if needed.
Continue kneading on low for 2 more minutes until the dough is soft and no longer sticky.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes.
Lightly grease a large baking sheet or French bread loaf pans.
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On a floured surface, divide the dough in two. Roll each half into a 14” x 8” rectangle.
Roll each rectangle tightly from the long side, pressing out air bubbles. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30–40 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Make the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together. Brush over the risen loaves, including the sides.
Score each loaf with 4 diagonal slashes using a baker’s lame or razor blade.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and quickly toss 5–6 ice cubes into the bottom of the oven. Close the door immediately.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.