Easy French Bread Recipe That Tastes Perfect With All Soups And Curries

French bread is renowned for its crusty exterior, light and airy crumb, and subtle flavor, making it a favorite around the world. The art of baking French bread may seem complex, but with the right recipe and techniques, you can create bakery-quality loaves right in your own kitchen.

This homemade French bread recipe is a perfect choice whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro looking to perfect your craft. The process is straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients, resulting in beautifully golden, crispy loaves with a soft and fluffy inside.

Prep time: 25 minutes (active)
Rising time: 2-3 hours (divided into two rises)
Bake time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 2 large loaves

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 105-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for a slightly softer texture)
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the baking sheet)
• Water in a spray bottle (for creating steam while baking)

How To Prepare

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough. While the yeast is activating, mix the bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast has activated, pour the yeast mixture into the well of the flour. Add olive oil if using (this step is optional but can help create a slightly softer loaf). Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually mix the flour into the water until it forms a shaggy dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

To see if the dough has risen enough, gently press your finger into it. If the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step.

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas that has built up during the first rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, divide the dough into two equal pieces. This will form two loaves.

Roll each piece of dough into a rough rectangle. Starting from one long side, roll the dough into a tight cylinder, pinching the seams as you go. Tuck the ends under to create a neat shape. Place the shaped loaves seam-side down on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size again.

While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven if you have one-it will help create a crisp crust. Also, place an empty baking dish on the lower rack of the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Once the loaves have risen, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. This will allow the bread to expand while baking.
Right before placing the loaves in the oven, pour a cup of water into the empty baking dish in the oven. This creates steam, which helps to develop the crusty exterior that French bread is known for.

Transfer the loaves to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you prefer an even crispier crust, spritz the loaves with water from a spray bottle a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Once cooled, slice the bread and serve with your favorite spreads, soups, or meals. French bread is perfect for making sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply enjoying with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Nutritional Values

This classic recipe will give you the confidence to bake bread regularly, and each loaf will only get better with practice. Enjoy!