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Homemade French Bread
Simple, quick, and easy homemade French bread recipe.
Kids can even make this bread. For real. It’s that easy. Making any bread from scratch can be a daunting task and it’s easy to be intimidated by the whole process. I am going to break it down and hopefully ease any worries. You may even become a master bread maker!
This Homemade Bakery French Bread can be done in a little more than one hour which means you can have hot, fresh bread straight out of the oven when the kids get home from school even if you don’t start baking until afternoon. You won’t need to run to the bakery for your french bread anymore when you can make better bread at home….in no time flat.
I taught a culinary class for kids in both Texas and Arizona and I’ve watched 7-year-olds tackle this homemade French bread recipe. I loved seeing the pictures those kids sent me showing the french bread masterpieces they made for their families.
As a child, I remember riding my bike home from school and opening the back door to the smells of homemade bread baking in the oven. My Mom always said that she could live on bread alone so bread was always essential in our home. There’s nothing more comforting than a hot piece of bread straight from the oven covered in churned butter and homemade strawberry jam.
Let’s get down to the basics so you can start baking.
How to make quick and easy homemade bakery french bread:
- Making sure the yeast proofs is essential. Using fresh yeast is important and mixing with warm water (not too hot, not too cold) will ensure success. Yeast loves sugar so add a pinch of sugar to the mixture. Let it work for about 10 minutes.
- Adding flour one cup at a time is important so you can see when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. That’s when you know it’s ready. Put flour down on the counter so the dough doesn’t stick. That isn’t fun. I love my Bosch mixer and can find a great deal on one below.
- Using rolling pin, roll out into a 9 x 12 rectangle. Roll up lengthwise and mold into french loaf. I love this marble rolling pin.
- The loaves don’t have to look perfect. I rolled these babies in 7 1/2 minutes flat before I sprinted to my little girl’s performance. Don’t forget to make 3-4 diagonal cuts with a sharp knife before placing on silpat or greased cookie sheet. These silicone baking sheets make it so easy to remove the bread from the baking sheet. Let rise for 30-40 minutes.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden brown. Watch it carefully to turn a light golden brown color.
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Homemade Bakery French Bread
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Yeast
- 1/2 cup Warm Water
- 2 cups Hot Water
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/3 cup Oil
- 6 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 Egg for brushing on bread
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve your yeast in ½ cup warm water. Make sure that your water is warm (not too cold, not too hot). Let proof for 10 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour and mix together. Add the yeast mixture to a bowl.
- Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Watch for it to start pulling away from the bowl to know it's ready. Once all of the flour is added, let sit for 10 minutes.
- Separate your dough into 3 pieces. On a floured surface roll each piece into a 9x12 rectangle. Roll it up like a jelly roll. Shape into a french bread loaf and smooth out edges.
- Place the dough on a greased baking pan or a Silpat, seam side down. Using a knife, make 3-4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch thick in bread. Brush with your beaten egg.
- Let dough rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.
- Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Happy Baking, my friends! I can’t wait to hear what you think about this quick and easy homemade french bread.
The recipes says serves 8…?
Do I bake all 3 loaves same time or one at a time?
Can you give temps for the warm and hot water?
Thanks,
Newbie baker
Warm means around 80 degrees or less, and hot can be hot tap water
I was told 110 degrees = “warm” water.
Also – why didn’t you use a bread hook when mixing? Just curious.
I’ve made bread for >30 yrs by hand, by mixer, by bread machine, etc.
I find 110F ideal temp for the liquids.
If using a mixer, I usually use the hook, as the whisk gets clogged too easily and does a poorer job kneading.
For the $50-$100 a simple bread machine costs, I have increasingly used it to make the dough.
It’s efficient, saves time, easy to clean, makes perfect dough every time.
Can I make in my kitchen
Aide mixer
Yes, I did. And used the dough hook.
What flour do you use
Hi there! I used All Purpose flour and it works like a charm!! Fabulous bread and my absolute go to recipe….always.
I use bread flour, but others say it’s fine with AP flour
This is the best French Bread recipe I have ever made. It was so soft and easy. I added some minced garlic and parm. We used the bread for French bread pizzas and I ended up making a some sub rolls for Italian subs, it was all so delicious! Definitely a keeper and recommend this recipe.
Such an easy bread recipe. I love how fluffy it is! So amazing with butter and jam!
Easiest bread recipe ever. Will be making this on repeat!
Absolutely delicious and Simple…. I won’t buy French Bread again.
Excellent recipe. Easy to make and turns out beautiful loaves.
This was so good. I used a Mediterranean olive oil for a little added flavor. Will definitely be making again. Thanks
Made this tonight to go with Spaghetti, my husband’s favorite. He loved the bread…I was impressed with how easy it was to make!!
The easiest, prettiest, and tastiest bread I’ve ever made. It’s definitely a favorite!