Sweet Frugal Life

Being Frugal Doesn't Make Life Any Less Sweet

  • Start Here
  • Free Downloads
  • Frugal
    • Frugal Living
    • Budgeting
    • Travel
    • Gift Ideas
    • Good Deals
  • Parenting
    • Money Education
    • Holidays
    • Crafts
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Dinner
    • Cleaners
  • Recipe Book
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Easy French Bread Recipe

March 4, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life23 Comments

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

5 from 1 vote
Print 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!

easy french bread recipe

how to make french bread - homemade french bread recipe

Enjoy this easy French bread recipe, you will love it!

Comments

  1. krissycross20 says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:43 am

    This looks great! I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 19, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. 21flavorsofsplendor says

    February 19, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Yummy! There is just nothing like freshly baked bread.

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 19, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      So true!!

      Reply
  3. kage2015 says

    February 19, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    I make breads all the time and love to make french bread. House smells so good while baking.

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 19, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      Yes it does!

      Reply
  4. Kelly says

    February 19, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    I have never made French bread before, but I love it!!! This is a must try!!! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 19, 2019 at 3:23 pm

      You’ll love it!

      Reply
  5. Beth says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    It has been a long time since I baked bread. This recipe is calling my name!

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 19, 2019 at 10:03 pm

      It’s an easy one!

      Reply
  6. Jasmine - LoveLifeLaughMotherhood says

    February 20, 2019 at 9:29 am

    nothing beats a loaf of fresh bread in the morning!

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 20, 2019 at 10:53 am

      Right?!?!

      Reply
  7. Karen says

    February 21, 2019 at 12:59 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • sweetfrugallife says

      February 21, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      It really is the BEST!

      Reply
  8. Jesse says

    March 28, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Hi there! Do you recommend using a mixer for this, or is it ok to make this by hand?

    Reply
    • Sweet Frugal Life says

      March 28, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      I recommend a mixer!

      Reply
  9. Emily says

    October 19, 2020 at 5:37 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Sweet Frugal Life says

      October 19, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      You don’t need any extra steps. I would let it thaw and rise a little. Shape into a loaf and then bake!

      Reply
  10. John Shalack says

    January 31, 2022 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    Can I use a bread machins for making the dough…?
    Would you suggest any changes?

    Reply
    • Sweet Frugal Life says

      January 31, 2022 at 11:02 am

      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!

      Reply
  11. Meghan Smith says

    February 23, 2022 at 1:32 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Meghan Smith says

      February 23, 2022 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      Adding second comment because I forgot to rate!

      Reply
    • Sweet Frugal Life says

      February 24, 2022 at 8:57 am

      I am SO glad you enjoyed this easy french bread recipe! It’s a favorite around here too!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello! I’m Melanie!

Follow me on social!

Want more frugal tips?

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Copyright © 2022 · Modern Blogger Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT