This easy, fail-proof, and delicious homemade French bread recipe fills the house with the most wonderful aroma as it bakes and is the perfect side dish for dinner. It stays fresh for several days and also makes delicious sandwiches and French toast so it is sure to become one of your family's favorite recipes!
Is there anything better than fresh, warm homemade bread? I am not sure that there is anything that even comes close. There is nothing like smelling it as you walk through the door on a cold day and then enjoying it with your favorite soup (our favorite soup recipe here), pasta, or roast. I'm not sure there is any meal that can't be made better by this delicious bread.
I know some bread recipes can be intimidating, but this one is really pretty fail-proof. I promise, it is actually really fun to make them! The end result of 2 giant loaves of delicious French bread is so satisfying!
French Bread Making Tips
- When making this bread, it is important to give the bread the rising time it needs (see instructions) or you won't be able to develop your loaves properly. I know it is tempting to cut down on the times, but trust me, the end result is so much better if you don't. I just use the rising time to multi task with other things around the house
- Another tip I have is that I usually set a timer to make sure that I am not going over the time needed, and repeat the timer as needed per the instructions.
- Use parchment to line your baking sheet. I love these ones.
How to Store Homemade French Bread
This bread will keep for several days, and remain soft, if you store it in a bag or airtight container. If you leave it open to the air, it will develop a hard crust on the outside and won't last as long.
If you forget to put your bread away and the crust becomes hard, there are still recipes that you can use it for.
What to do with Leftover French Bread
This French bread stays fresh for a few days and is perfect paired with leftover soup, pasta, and more. It also makes great sandwiches, French bread pizzas, French toast, and amazing baked breakfasts. Stale French bread can be used to make a delicious homemade stuffing or bread pudding.
Supplies you will need
- "Big Sheet" baking pan (you can substitute 2 half sheet baking pans if needed)
- parchment paper sheets
- Basic ingredients including flour, yeast, sugar, kosher salt, and oil
Homemade French Bread
This easy and delicious homemade French bread recipe fills the house with the most wonderful aroma as it bakes and is the perfect side dish for dinner. It stays fresh for several days and also makes delicious sandwiches and French toast so it is sure to become one of your family's favorite recipes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 T active dry yeast
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 T sugar
- 1 T kosher salt (yes, Tablespoon)
- 5 T vegetable or canola oil
- 6 cups all purpose flour divided
- butter for glazing bread optional
Instructions
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In a small bowl, add yeast to warm water and set aside, allowing to proof.
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In the bowl of the mixer, using dough hooks, add hot water, sugar, oil, salt, and 3 cups of the flour and mix until well combined.
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Gently pour the yeast water into the mixer while it is running, mixing until mostly incorporated. Keep mixer on and continue to gently add flour, 1 cup at a time. Continue to mix for 2 minutes until everything is well incorporated.
Note- the flour in any bread recipe can vary depending on many factors including altitude, weather, etc. You will want to gauge your flour measurement need based on the way your dough feels. The dough should clear the sides of the bowl, form a soft ball, and leave very little sticky dough residue on your finger when you touch it.
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Let sit, covered with a cotton towel, for 10 minutes to allow rising. After 10 minutes, use a spoon (or turn on the mixer briefly) to punch down the dough, allowing it to fall. Repeat these steps for 1 hour total.
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Split dough into 2 equal parts and set one aside.
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On a onto a lightly floured surface, or a very lightly greased surface, with lightly greased hands, press one portion of dough into approximately a 9x12" rectangle.
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Roll dough up on the short side, so your bread is the length of the longer side. Pinch the ends so there is no visible roll and lay onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Note: I usually put both loaves on one large baking sheet, but you may need 2 sheets if you do not have a large one.
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Use a very sharp knife or a baker's lame to cut parallel slits in the dough.
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Set in a warm area of your kitchen and allow to rise for 20-25 minutes or until the loaves have approximately doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees while your loaves are rising.
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Carefully place baking sheet into the oven without making the loaves fall. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until loaves are golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and slather with melted butter.
Tip: Fold back the wrapper on one end of a stick of butter and rub on the hot loaves while holding the half of the stick that still has the wrapper on it. Cover remaining butter with the wrapper and store in the fridge until you make your next loaves.
I know your family will enjoy it as much as we do!
CHERYL a
Just made it and it came out amazing. I Was on a personal quest to make homemade bread and your recipe helped me to achieve that. THank you.
Brenda
Best French bread recipe I’ve ever made. Fantastic taste and texture. Family approved and devoured it! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
Kristen Whitby
I am so glad you loved it! Thank you for the review!
Rebecca
So good! Will be a staple recipe around here!
Kristen Whitby
I am so glad you loved it! It is one of our very favorites!
Stacy
This looks amazing...my kids love fresh baked bread so I can’t wait to try your recipe! I’d love to see a photo of the 7th step where you mention rolling the dough, I’m not sure I follow. I think this will be a staple in our house this fall, thanks for sharing!
Kristen Whitby
Ok, great idea! I will add that in next time I bake some!