Description
This Homemade French Bread recipe gives you two golden, crispy loaves with a soft, chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying warm with butter. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients
2 cups warm water, about 105°F
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
5 cups (650 g) all-purpose flour, or bread flour
2 ½ teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
Melted salted butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture begins to foam.
- In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually knead in ½ cup of the remaining flour until the dough is smooth but not sticky. Add more flour if necessary.
- Rub the dough with olive oil, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 15-30 minutes (up to 1 hour for a longer rise).
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into two portions. Roll the first dough ball into a 15-inch rectangle. Roll from the long side into a cylinder, pinch seams, and tuck ends to form a loaf. Repeat with the second dough ball.
- Place the loaves onto a baking sheet. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cover lightly with a towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake the loaves for 17-23 minutes, or until golden brown. Knock on the bottom; it should sound hollow. If browning too quickly, cover with foil and lower the temperature to 375°F.
- Brush with melted butter, if desired. Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a shinier, crispier crust, brush with an egg wash (1 egg white + 1 teaspoon water) before baking and add ice cubes in the oven for steam.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a flavor twist.
- For a garlic-flavored bread, brush with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter.
- This bread stores best in a brown paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze the bread for up to 3 months after cooling. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes after thawing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
