There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. With this Easy Homemade French Bread recipe, you can enjoy that comforting, bakery-fresh experience in your own home—no fancy tools or expert-level skills required.
This loaf is everything French bread should be: crisp and golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and full of that slightly yeasty, savory flavor that makes it the perfect companion to soups, pastas, or even just a generous swipe of butter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for:
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Baking beginners wanting a stress-free entry into homemade bread
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Busy families who want a fresh loaf without spending the whole day in the kitchen
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Bread lovers searching for a rustic loaf that pairs well with everything
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Anyone looking for that classic French bakery flavor at home
Made with pantry staples and minimal effort, this recipe is reliable, approachable, and deeply rewarding. Plus, kneading bread dough is one of the most therapeutic things you can do in a kitchen—trust me.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the short and simple ingredient list:
🥖 Dough:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
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1½ teaspoons salt
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1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
🥚 For the Egg Wash:
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1 egg, beaten
That’s it—seven ingredients to baking glory.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Form the Dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or dough hook if you’re using a stand mixer.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Shape it into a loaf (oval or log-shaped) and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Egg Wash & Score
Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the loaf for a beautiful golden crust. Using a sharp knife, make 3–4 diagonal slashes across the top of the dough—this helps control how the bread expands while baking.
7. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Clean kitchen towel
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Baking sheet
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Pastry brush (for the egg wash)
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Sharp knife (for scoring)
Optional:
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Thermometer (to check the water temperature)
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Parchment paper (for easier cleanup)
Tips for Success
💡 Pro Tips:
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Check your yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be dead.
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Warm environment: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl of dough in your (turned-off) oven with the light on to help it rise.
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Steam boost: For an even crustier exterior, place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven during baking.
🔁 Recipe Variations:
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Garlic Herb French Bread: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme) and 2 minced garlic cloves to the dough.
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Cheese-stuffed version: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll it up before baking.
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Whole wheat option: Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Storage & Leftover Tips
🧊 Storing:
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Keep the bread wrapped in foil or in a bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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To maintain the crust, avoid storing in plastic bags, which can make it soggy.
❄️ Freezing:
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French bread freezes beautifully. Wrap in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
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To thaw: Let it sit at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to revive the crust.
What to Serve with French Bread
This versatile loaf works with just about everything! Here are a few ideas:
🍽️ Meal Pairings:
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Soups and stews: Tomato basil, French onion, chicken noodle
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Pasta dishes: Spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna
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Appetizers: Slice and toast for crostini or bruschetta
🧀 Spread Ideas:
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Garlic butter
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Pesto
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Honey and ricotta
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Olive tapenade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. You don’t need to proof it—just mix it in with the dry ingredients.
Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have been expired, or the water may have been too hot or too cold. The dough also needs a warm, draft-free place to rise properly.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—the internal temp should be around 190–200°F (88–93°C).
Final Thoughts
Homemade French bread doesn’t have to be complicated—and this easy recipe proves it. With simple ingredients and just a little hands-on time, you can whip up a crusty, chewy loaf that rivals anything from a bakery.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more tried-and-true recipes that bring warmth, flavor, and a little magic into your kitchen. Happy baking! 🥖❤️