Homemade Bakery French Bread Recipe

I love crafting Homemade French Bread that brings the charm of home baking into my kitchen. The simple, timeless ingredients evoke cherished memories of lively family gatherings and hearty celebrations. With its crisp, golden crust and tender interior, this bread becomes the centerpiece of every shared meal, sparking smiles all around.

I recently stumbled upon this amazing recipe for homemade bakery French bread that completely blew my mind. I was skeptical at first since it takes just a little more than an hour to go from start to finish, but trust me – the results are absolutely worth it.

Using only a handful of ingredients like 3 cups bread flour, 1 cup warm water (around 110°F), 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, a tablespoon of sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, I managed to create a loaf that tastes like it came straight out of a French bakery. I love that this recipe combines simplicity with flair, making it an easy French bread recipe perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned bakers.

I’ve even seen some calls it a kind of artisan bread recipe, and honestly, I agree. Its crisp crust and tender center will have you questioning whether you need to step foot in an actual bakery ever again.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because I really enjoy how simple it is to make, even when I’m busy. I love that the ingredients are few and easy to find, so I never have to hunt around the store. I also appreciate how quickly the dough comes together and rises, which means I can enjoy fresh bread in about an hour. Lastly, nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling a perfectly crisp loaf from my own oven at home.

Make your own French bread in no time with this awesome recipe. Its super easy to follow and you can have hot, fresh bread straight out of the oven in just a little over an hour. The recipe is simple, and the tips like letting the dough rest and doing shallow cuts on top really make a difference. Even if you are just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe fun and rewarding. So why waste money at the bakery when you can whip up your own delicious loaf at home?

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of essential ingredients that make this French Bread extra delicious.

They each play a unique role in flavor, texture, and rise.

• Bread Flour is rich in carbohydrates and proteins that build the bread’s sturdy structure.
• Warm Water (110°F) gently activates yeast boosting fermentation and ensures a moist dough.
• Active Dry Yeast creates bubbles by feeding on sugars, giving the loaf a soft crumb.
• Sugar adds slight sweetness that supports yeast’s growth while balancing the savory dough flavors.
• Salt enhances overall taste and controls fermentation to ensure an evenly risen, tasty bread.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl, mix the warm water, sugar and yeast together, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy.

2. In a big bowl, stir together the 3 cups of bread flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

3. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and stir until a soft dough forms.

4. Dust a clean surface with a little extra flour and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes till it gets smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot for around 45 minutes to 1 hour until it roughly doubles in size.

6. Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a long loaf, doing a little extra kneading if it still feels too sticky.

7. Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet placing your shaped dough on it.

8. Let the dough rest on the sheet for 10 to 15 minutes to get a little extra rise.

9. Use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on the top of the loaf, being careful not to cut too deep.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is nicely golden and crusty, then take it out and let it cool before slicing and enjoying.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl for mixing the warm water, sugar and yeast
2. Large bowl for stirring together the bread flour and salt
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy in the ingredients
4. A clean, lightly floured work surface for kneading the dough
5. A damp cloth or clean kitchen towel to cover the dough during rising
6. Baking sheet that can be lightly greased for the shaped dough
7. Oven preheated to 425°F for baking
8. A sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on the top of the loaf

FAQ

Homemade Bakery French Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour if you dont have bread flour on hand. Just add about an extra teaspoon of vital wheat gluten if you can to get that chewy texture.
• If warm water isn’t available, you can use whole milk instead. It gives the bread a slightly richer flavor but might make it a bit softer.
• You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast. Use about 25% less instant yeast than the recipe calls for active dry yeast.
• Honey works well instead of sugar. Use roughly 3/4 the amount since its sweeter and adds a bit extra moisture.
• If you dont have regular salt, kosher salt is a good alternative. Just remember that kosher salt is less concentrated so you might need to use a little more.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water is really just warm enough, like around 110°F, so you don’t accidentally kill the yeast; if it’s too hot or too cold, your dough might not rise well.
2. When you knead the dough, use just enough flour on your surface to keep it from sticking, but don’t add too much or your bread could end up all dense and dry.
3. Keep your dough covered with a damp cloth, but don’t let it sit out in a drafty spot; a nice, warm, stable place helps it rise properly without drying out.
4. While scoring the top before baking, be gentle with your knife so the cuts stay shallow; deeper cuts can mess up the shape and texture of your bread.