I can’t wait to show you how to make French bread at home!
Have you been wondering how to make French bread at home? This easy French bread recipe is where you should start! I immediately become my kids favorite person every time I make it! It is soft and light and tastes perfect as a side for soup or pasta. You must try it!
Easy French Bread Recipe
To make this easy French bread recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. yeast
- 3 Tbsp. canola oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 5 1/2 cups flour
First, in a stand mixer gently mix the water, sugar and yeast together. Let it stand for 10 minutes until yeast is dissolved. It should be frothy and bubbly.
Next, add the rest of the ingredients. Make sure to add the flour slowly, mixing it in as you go. You might need a little less flour or a little more.
I add a little flour and then mix for a minute and then add a little more until the dough looks right. The dough will be done when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl when mixing and be slightly sticky.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. Put the bowl in a warm spot and let it rise for ten minutes. After rising, gently punch the dough down in bowl. Do this for two more times for a a total of 3 punch downs and 30 minutes of rising time.
Split dough in half and shape into two loaves. Place them on a greased baking sheet to bake.
Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes. Once it’s done cooking brush with butter to make the crust soft. Slice and serve. ENJOY!
Have you ever made homemade French bread? It is so fun! And this recipe is easy to make ahead and freeze for later! Sometimes I freeze the dough in a freezer bag, and then let it rise, shape and bake later. Other times, I make the bread and freeze it after it’s baked! Whatever works best for you!
Soft French Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. yeast
- 3 Tbsp. canola oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 5 1/2 cups flour
Instructions
- Mix the water, sugar and yeast together. Let it stand for 10 minutes until yeast is dissolved. It will be frothy and bubbly.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Make sure to add the flour slowly. You might need a little less or a little more. I add a little flour and then mix for a minute and then add a little more until the dough looks right. You will want it to pull away from the sides of the bowl when mixing and be slightly sticky.
- Place the dough in a bowl and cover. Let it rise for ten minutes and then gently punch the dough down in bowl. Do this for two more times for a a total of 3 punch downs and 30 minutes of rising time.
- Split dough in half and shape into two loaves. Place them on a greased baking sheet. I will usually freeze half the dough in a freezer bag to use for another dinner.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes. Once it’s done cooking brush with butter to make the crust soft. Slice and serve. ENJOY!
In Conclusion
You can easily make homemade French bread yourself! Let me know if you try this recipe. I would love to hear how it worked for you….and I might just come over and sneak a few bites ;). Happy baking!
Related Recipes:
- Grandmas Famous Banana Bread Recipe
- Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe
- Easy Huckleberry Muffin Recipe
Liked what you read? Pin it for future baking!
This looks great! I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Enjoy!
Yummy! There is just nothing like freshly baked bread.
So true!!
I make breads all the time and love to make french bread. House smells so good while baking.
Yes it does!
I have never made French bread before, but I love it!!! This is a must try!!! Thank you for sharing!
You’ll love it!
It has been a long time since I baked bread. This recipe is calling my name!
It’s an easy one!
nothing beats a loaf of fresh bread in the morning!
Right?!?!
Oh, I’m so happy to see your pictures of your Bosch. That is my very favorite kitchen appliance and I use it every week to make bread!
It really is the BEST!
Hi there! Do you recommend using a mixer for this, or is it ok to make this by hand?
I recommend a mixer!
Thanks for sharing! I’m going to make this on Thursday when we’ll have 6 teens/preteens in the house for dinner. Obviously will be making both loaves this time around but I’m wondering if there are any extra steps when you take the other dough out of the freezer. Thanks again!
You don’t need any extra steps. I would let it thaw and rise a little. Shape into a loaf and then bake!
Can I use a bread machins for making the dough…?
Would you suggest any changes?
I have never tried it with a bread machine, so I’m not sure! I’m sorry I’m not more help! I hope your bread turns out amazing!
Made both loaves of bread. one for tonight’s dinner, which I spread a garlic butter spread and toasted in oven. And then the rest for the week to add for dinners. So good!!
Adding second comment because I forgot to rate!
I am SO glad you enjoyed this easy french bread recipe! It’s a favorite around here too!!
I tried this bread recipe and for some reason needed a lot more flour and was still very sticky. What do you think? I made sure measurements on water and flour were per recipe.
The 5 1/2 cups always works perfect for me. But, the best rule of thumb is to add flour until the dough starts to pull from the sides of the mixer. Having it be sticky is normal.
After you shake it, do you need a second rise?
You do not need another rise after shaping the french bread loaves. I have let them rise for 30 minutes a few times, but it’s not necessary and still turns out without rising after shaping.