Homemade French Bread - Easy, Simple and Delicious
Discover how to make delicious, bakery-style French bread at home with just a few simple ingredients. This easy recipe yields a crusty, flavorful loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare and fun to bake, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet dry yeast about 2 1/4 tsp
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dry yeast. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Pour in the very warm water, honey and oil into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes.
- After the first rest, use your hand to gently stretch and fold the dough a few times to strengthen it. Cover again and let it rest for another 20 minutes. Repeat this stretching and resting step one more time for best results.
- Once the final rest is complete, punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into your desired form — a baguette or round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use scissors or a sharp knife to make a few angled cuts on the top of the loaf. Beat one egg and brush it over the surface of the bread for a shiny, golden finish. Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For a crustier loaf, add a shallow pan of water to the oven to create steam.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty. Let it cool slightly before slicing and enjoying!
Video
Notes
This easy homemade French bread recipe uses simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, honey, salt, and oil—to craft a crusty, flavorful loaf that rivals bakery-quality bread. Baked to golden perfection, it delivers that irresistible texture and aroma, making it perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying simply with butter. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen!
Happy baking