Easy Homemade French Bread
Delight in the magic of fresh-baked bread with this easy recipe that brings joy and nostalgia to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any other oil)
- 5 1/2 – 6 cups all-purpose or bread flour
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the ingredients: Drizzle in olive oil and add salt. Gradually add 5 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer to a flour-dusted surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough and divide into two portions. Shape into long loaves and place on a lined baking sheet, making diagonal slashes on top.
- Second rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place loaves in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the loaves cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Slice and serve warm with butter or olive oil. Great with soups or for sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: French bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe