This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
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.
I am ready to bake again! Can this bread or dough be frozen? And best way to adapt for rolls??
Thank you and have a great Memorial Day!
Betsy
Hi Betsy! After the bread is done baking you can definitely freeze it in an airtight container. I hope you love it!
Yes, came out beautifully. I doubt there will be enough left to freeze.. Thank you!
Love making this bread. Everyone also likes to receive it.
Thank you for using my recipe Evelyn!
I don’t have the two machines can I use my hands?
Hi Irene! You can definitely use your hands. This recipe does not require much kneading, just until the ingredients are full combined. Let me know how this recipe works out for you!
Made this yesterday, so good! Will Red Star Platinum instant yeast work well? Still proof?
Hi Betsy! Yes, that yeast will work great and I still recommend proofing! Thank you so much for making this recipe!
Thank you! Will bake again soon.
The easiest and most delicious French bread I ever made.
I am so glad you love this recipe Michele!
I have been making this recipe for a few years and it always gets rave reviews. The only thing that would make it better would be if there was no sugar. What would happen if I left out or reduced the amount of sugar? How about a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetner? Thanks.
Hi Sheri! We like to use some type of sugar in this recipe to activate the yeast. You can try replacing with honey for an all natural replacement!
It’s only me and hubby. Is there a way to make this a one loaf recipe instead of 3? It takes us several days just to get through a regular loaf. We’re older and don’t eat bread every day.
Thanks.
This is 💯 the best bread I’ve ever made. It was the easiest, too. It is light and soft and delicious. It rose big and beautiful!! I have made a lot of bread. I cry about bread, a lot. I have many Epic Bread Fails to my credit. I spend time wondering, was it me, the yeast, the recipe, the oven?? Not this time. This is superb. Yup. That’s the word. Superb. I don’t believe u e ever called anything superb before. Make this bread. And THANK YOU!!
Haha this is amazing Diane, I am so glad that you love this bread recipe! Thank you so much for making it. 🙂