The Easiest French Bread I’ve Ever Made

 

The Easiest French Bread I’ve Ever Made – Soft Inside, Golden Outside

This homemade French Bread recipe creates beautifully golden loaves with a crisp crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it's perfect for sandwiches, soups, family dinners, or enjoying warm with butter straight from the oven.

Whether you're a beginner baker or an experienced bread lover, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style results every time.

Flavor & Texture Highlights

• Golden crispy crust
• Soft and airy crumb
• Classic French bread flavor
• Perfect for sandwiches and meals

Jump to Section

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips
• Storage

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you already have at home
• Easy to make for beginners
• Perfect crust and fluffy center
• Freezes beautifully

Ingredients

• 1 kg all-purpose flour
• 20 g salt
• 10 g sugar
• 10 g dry yeast (or 30 g fresh yeast)
• 550 ml warm water
• 50 g shortening or melted butter
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour. Mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 4: Knead

Knead the dough for 10–15 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic. Add a small amount of flour if necessary.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Divide and Shape

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape each into a long bread roll.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Using a sharp knife, make one long slash along the top of each roll.

Step 9: Egg Wash

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.

Step 11: Cool

Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast
• Knead thoroughly for the best texture
• Allow the dough to fully double during the first rise
• Place a small pan of water in the oven for a crispier crust

Storage

Store bread in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freeze cooled loaves for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked texture.

Easy French Bread Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bake Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8 bread rolls

Ingredients

• 1 kg all-purpose flour
• 20 g salt
• 10 g sugar
• 10 g dry yeast
• 550 ml warm water
• 50 g melted butter or shortening
• 1 egg for brushing

Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar.
2. Mix flour and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture and butter.
4. Knead until smooth and elastic.
5. Let rise for 1 hour.
6. Divide into 8 rolls and shape.
7. Rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Slash tops and brush with egg.
9. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes.
10. Cool before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Bread is wonderfully soft, fluffy, and golden with a beautiful crust. It's a versatile homemade bread recipe that's perfect for everyday meals, sandwiches, or serving warm with butter and your favorite soups.