This Homemade Bakery French Bread is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and perfect for making sandwiches, dipping in soup, or serving alongside dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make authentic, golden brown French bread at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic bakery-style texture—crispy crust with a soft center.
- Only 5 ingredients!
- Easy to make with simple kneading and shaping.
- Perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or dipping in soups.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Warm water (about 110°F)
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose or bread flour
- Salt
Optional for a Golden Crust:
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
- Melted butter (for a soft crust)
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread:
Punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves. Shape each into a long baguette and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise:
Cover and let the loaves rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaves with egg wash for a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or use for sandwiches!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 loaves
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Herb Bread: Mix in garlic powder and dried herbs before kneading.
- Cheesy French Bread: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar before baking.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet French Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweet flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount and skip the proofing step.
2. How do I get a super crispy crust?
Place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
3. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes! Use the dough cycle, then shape, rise, and bake in the oven.
4. What’s the best flour for French bread?
Bread flour gives the best chewiness, but all-purpose flour works too.
5. Can I make mini baguettes?
Yes! Divide into 4-6 smaller loaves and bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast may be old, or the water temperature was too hot or too cold.
7. How do I keep French bread soft?
Brush with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
8. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate after the first rise and bake within 24 hours.
9. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum.
10. Can I add seeds to the crust?
Yes! Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
Conclusion
This Homemade Bakery French Bread is easy, delicious, and perfect for any meal! Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven, as garlic bread, or for sandwiches, this crispy, fluffy bread is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and bake like a pro!
Print
Homemade Bakery French Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Homemade Bakery-Style French Bread has a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior—just like the kind you’d find at a bakery! With simple ingredients and an easy process, this classic bread is perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or just enjoying with butter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer crust)
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. (If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix everything together in Step 2.)
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.)
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a 12-inch log, tucking the edges under.
- Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush the loaves with an egg wash for a shiny crust (or mist with water for a crispier crust).
- Use a sharp knife or bread lame to make 3 diagonal slashes on each loaf.
Step 7: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Crust: Place a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam while baking.
- Soft Crust Option: Brush with melted butter after baking.
- Make Ahead: Let the shaped loaves rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
- Storage: Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.