No more running out to the bakery or grocery store to purchase a loaf of French bread, you can now stay home and fill your kitchen with the wonderful scent with this Best Homemade French Bread Recipe.
Ready in just over 1 hour, and with zero kneadings required, this Best Homemade French Bread is fluffy, light, and has a delicious crust.
Enjoy on its own, or with your favorite spread such as butter, marmalade, or any soft cheese. So put your bread maker away, give your hands and wrists a rest and decide who you want to share this Best Homemade French Bread with.
HOW DO YOU MAKE HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD FROM SCRATCH?
Follow the recipe below, and make sure to read through the frequently asked questions and pro tips to bake the Best Homemade French Bread.
- Step 1: In a small bowl, add the ½ cup of warm water and sprinkle the yeast overtop (make sure your water is not too hot as it will kill the yeast). Allow mixture to sit for 10 minutes
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, and oil
- Step 3: Add in 3 cups of the flour and mix together
- Step 4: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture
- Step 5: Add the remaining flour one cup at a time and mix well after each addition. You will notice the mixture begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Once all the flour has been mixed in, allow the dough to rest uncovered in the bowl for 10 minutes
- Step 6: Sprinkle a large rolling surface with flour
- Step 7: Cut dough into 3 even pieces
- Step 8: Roll out each piece of dough into a 9×12 rectangle
- Step 9: Starting at the wider end, roll up the dough like a jelly roll to form a log. Smooth our edges and tuck in the sides to form a French bread loaf
- Step 10: Place loaves on a greased baking sheet seam side down. Make 4 diagonal cuts ¼ inch deep into each loaf and brush with beaten egg. Allow loaves to rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes
- Step 11: Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes until golden brown
BAKING TIPS FOR HOMEMADE BAKERY FRENCH BREAD
- Make sure you allow the dough to rest for the entire length of time. This is crucial for the yeast and gluten to work its magic
- To add some extra flavor to your loaves, once they come out of the oven sprinkle with coarse salt or fresh herbs overtop
HOW TO KEEP FRENCH BREAD FRESH?
I like to store leftover bread in a sealed Ziploc bag on the counter for up to 3 days. If it’s going to be longer than that it’s best to freeze leftovers.
CAN YOU FREEZE FRENCH BREAD?
Whole loaves can be frozen wrapped in plastic wrap in a sealed Ziplog bag for up to 3 months.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH FRENCH BREAD?
This French bread pairs great with your favorite spread such as soft cheese or any jam or can be toasted and served with soups or saucy dishes.
HOMEMADE BAKERY FRENCH BREAD
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp yeast
- ½ cup of warm water
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup oil (I used canola oil, but any oil will work)
- 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg for brushing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the ½ cup of warm water and sprinkle the yeast overtop (make sure your water is not too hot as it will kill the yeast). Allow mixture to sit for 10 minutes
- In a large bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, and oil
- Add in 3 cups of the flour and mix together
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture
- Add the remaining flour one cup at a time and mix well after each addition. You will notice the mixture begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Once all the flour has been mixed in, allow the dough to rest uncovered in the bowl for 10 minutes
- Sprinkle a large rolling surface with flour
- Cut dough into 3 even pieces
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 9x12 rectangle
- Starting at the wider end, roll up the dough like a jelly roll to form a log. Smooth our edges and tuck in the sides to form a French bread loaf
- Place loaves on a greased baking sheet, seam side down. Make 4 diagonal cuts ¼ inch deep into each loaf and brush with beaten egg. Allow loaves to rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes
- Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes until golden brown
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