Description
This Perfect Homemade French Bread recipe delivers the authentic flavor, aroma, and texture of artisan bakery loaves — crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. Made in just 90 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s your foolproof guide to mastering classic French bread at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (for brushing)
Smart Substitutions:
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for Mediterranean flavor.
- Replace 1 cup all-purpose flour with whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Swap sugar for honey to deepen sweetness.
- Try bread flour for chewier texture.
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water (110°F). Let stand 10 minutes until frothy.
- Create the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups flour. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the Yeast: Add the yeast mixture and stir to blend completely.
- Build the Dough: Add remaining flour, one cup at a time, until dough pulls from sides of bowl. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Shape Loaves: Divide dough into three portions. Roll each into a 9×12-inch rectangle and then into a loaf shape, sealing edges.
- Prepare for Baking: Place loaves seam-side down on greased baking sheets. Score diagonally 3–4 times and brush with beaten egg.
- Final Rise: Let loaves rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Notes
Use warm water between 100–110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Add flour gradually to prevent dense dough. For extra crispy crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack during baking to create steam.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 319
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 2.1g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Protein: 13g
Keywords: french bread, homemade baguette, crusty bread, easy bread recipe, artisan bread