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 ½ 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.
Homemade Bakery French Bread
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Yeast
- ½ cup Warm Water
- 2 cups Hot Water
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons Salt
- ⅓ cup Oil
- 6 ½ 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 ½ 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 ¼ 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
Happy Baking, my friends! I can't wait to hear what you think about this quick and easy homemade french bread.
Sherry Fuller
I want to try this, but I’ve never made bread before. One of the steps is confusing. You said to separate the dough into three pieces, and roll each piece out into a rectangle. Then you said to roll it up like a jelly roll. I don’t know what that means, Roll each piece separately? Roll them together somehow? How does it all get together? I’m missing something here having never made a jelly roll, but it must be simple since according to the other comments, even kids can do it. Please explain.
Lindsay Kramer
This recipe makes 3 loaves, which is why you divide the dough into 3. Rolling like a jelly roll means you roll it up from the long edge, not the short edge.
Michael Conner
The recipe makes three loafs. To do the "jelly roll",:start with the long edge facing you, and roll it up into a "log". If you look at the end of the roll it will be a spiral, just like a cinnamon roll.
Sherre Rooke
Hello Sherry, Be encouraged, If you have not made bread before, this recipe is for you. Very easy...
Yes divide dough into three equal parts (doesn't have to be perfect)...Roll each part Separately into rectangle, one at a time. Continue to follow recipe....Don't forget to score (cutting slits across the top), each loaf and brush with beaten egg...Such a great recipe...
Sherre
Ellen Wicker
After you left the dough rise for the 10 minutes put the dough onto your work surface. I pat it in a circle and cut it in half. Rolling one half on a lighly floured surface in a rectangle. I start at the top and roll the dough, every turn I pinch it into it self. Press the ends down with your hand and tuck the ends underneath press the seam together. Place it on the baking sheet, cut, egg wash and let rise. Bake and eat. Mmmm..
Sophie Harmening
Love this recipe!! I have never made bread before this morning when I used this recipe! It turned out perfectly and is so so delicious! I sprinkled garlic salt, thyme & rosemary on one of the loaves before baking and it turned out wonderful! I think next time I will mix it into the dough too!
Erika
I loved it, my kid loved it
???? making it again tonight...l but will try to freeze 2 of them. Hopefully it tastes as delicious after freeze.
Marguerite Breda
Did you freeze it and if so how did the frozen dough come ou?
Barb
Well, I can never eat plain bread. After I rolled it out I added a topping of caramelized onions and cheddar on top of that! Rolled it up and baked. Delicious! Have used mozzarella and pepperoni. Have added herbs before rollin and on top after egg wash
Can’t say enough.
Carol Ann Mendez
Does this recipe make three loaves? I am confused by separating into the then rolling..
Kay
Very easy to make. My husband says they look and taste just like bakery bread.
Denise Holsinger
Your recipe calls for 2 Tablespoons of yeast. I always buy dry yeast in packages. Most recipes call for 1 package of yeast and I'm sure there aren't 2 Tablespoons in a package. How many packages should I use to make your recipe?
Also, do you suggest all purpose flour or bread flour?
Eugene Stoneking
There Are 2 And 1/4 tsp. Per Package , And 3 tsps. Per 1 Tblsp. = 6 tsps. For 2 Tblsp. !!! So Use 3 Packets - 3/4 Of A tsp. Or I Would Just Use All 3 !!! Start With All Purpose Flour And Check The Results , Bread Flour Costs More !!!
Kathleen
If you're not in a rush use less yeast (NOT 3 packets). The slower the rise the more flavorful the bread.
Brandy
My kids and I have made this bread several times and it always turns out perfect. This is the quickest and easiest bread recipe I’ve found. It’s a great base for other variations such as garlic and cheese bread too. Thank you for the recipe.
Sue
I tried this recipe & it was perfect. I will say that I let my loaves rise for more like one and 1/2 hour--the suggested 30 or 40 min. was not enough for my bread to rise---I did let it rise in a warmed oven & it still took longer. Not a big deal, just be sure to allow enough time in case it doesn't rise in 30-40 min. When they were the size I wanted , I baked them & they turned out perfect. The leftovers make the best garlic bread & french toast. I think I finally found an easy homemade bread
Sara
I just tried baking this and I'm pretty sure I followed all of the steps correctly, but the loaves didn't brown and are very pale 🙁 does anyone know why this would happen? This was my first time making bread ever.
E
Did you put the egg wash on?
Or you can just keep the bread in the oven a few minutes longer until it’s the color you like
Elizabeth
Super easy to make (kids can make this) and really soft and delicious. Will be a staple in our kitchen for sure! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Linda R
Beyond easy! Yummy and perfect when you need something fast but still want homemade. I’m going to try these as dinner rolls next time. I’m sure they will be delicious Wish I could add a picture to show you how beautiful they are, outside and inside.
SAUNDRA LOVING
Best. Bread. Ever. I have made it twice, myself and shared with neighbors. I have taught my 13 year old grandson how to make it. And now, due to posting pictures of him and the outcome of this beautiful bread, ladies from my Church have asked for me to show them how to make it! This Saturday, I will be teaching them. Melissa, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe. All the credit goes to you!
John
Excellent bread. I halved the recipe, since its just the two of us, and it worked perfectly. I used to run a bakery/donut shop and this recipe is great, easy and delicious. Thank you very much.
Anjali Menon
Hi,
Could you kindly tell me what the cup measurement is that you'd have used in this recipe please? 200 or 250ml?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Susan Sentman
Truly as easy and delicious as all have stated! Even though my 2 loaves came out somewhat deflated ( i recognize some mistakes; mix flour more slowly was one) this bread is soft and sooo good!
Thank you for your recipe,
Lilly
Can you freeze a loaf to have it to bake it fresh at a later date and if so when in the process should I put it in the freezer?
Anjali Menon
Hi!
I'm very excited to try out this recipe as I really wish to bake breads at home, especially with the way things are going on in the world these days. I needed a clarification though- what is the cup measurement that you've mentioned in this recipe? Is it 200ml or 250ml per cup?
Beth Ercek
I am a bread maker-white, wheat, Italian. This was my first attempt at French Bread. This recipe is wonderful! It took me 1 -1/2 hours but I am slow and a perfectionist. It came out picture perfect, soft, and tasted great! I received so many compliments from friends and family alike. Thank you for sharing this recipe. 🙂
Molly Allen
i love baking and cooking in may kicken a lot i love that every much
Deb
This bread is so easy to make and so delicious!!!! In addition to just being delicious by itself, it makes the best French toast. It makes 3 quite large loaves so I freeze two for later use. It freezes remarkably well. Thank you so much for sharing it - There is no need to EVER buy french bread from a bakery again.
Cynthia Onyeka
I JUST MADE THIS BREAD TODAY AND IT IS SO AMAZINGGGGGGGG! IT CAME OUT SO SOFT. WE ALMOST GOBBLED IT ALL UP, I HAD TO GO HIDE SOME. HAHAHAHAHA. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING.
Rusty
I am a dad raising 4 kids, home schooling three of them, entertaining a 2 year old, and run a woodshop business all the while my wife works full-time as a healthcare provider outside the home. Needless to say, I'M EXTREMELY BUSY and don't normally have time for such niceties as homemade French bread. This recipe, however, is extremely easy to make and it tastes delicious! My kids love it, my wife loves it, her co-workers love it! Modern Honey recipes are well-received in my home and this one is very easy simple and easy to make!
Modern Honey
This just made my day! Thank you for sharing a little bit about you and your background. I LOVE that you are raising 4 kids and balancing so many things. Amazing! Also, thank you for trying my recipe and taking the time to comment. I truly do appreciate it! I am so glad your family loved it!
HAZEL ANNIS
what flour did you use please