Homemade Bakery French Bread

This Homemade French Bread is the ultimate bakery-style bread that’s soft on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. With simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and butter, you can make this easy French bread at home, no special equipment required! Whether you’re serving it with soup, making sandwiches, or enjoying it with butter, this French bread will elevate any meal. The recipe is beginner-friendly and produces a golden-brown loaf that tastes just like the ones from your local bakery. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want a delicious homemade loaf!

This Homemade Bakery French Bread is a soft, crusty, and deliciously fragrant bread that’s perfect for any meal. With a golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior, this bread is easy to make and brings the taste of a bakery right to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside soup, making sandwiches, or enjoying it with butter, this French bread will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp yeast
• ½ cup warm water
• 2 cups hot water
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp salt
• 1/3 cup oil (canola or any preferred oil)
• 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of warm water with the yeast, making sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and bubble.
2. Prepare the dough mixture: In a large bowl, combine the hot water, sugar, salt, and oil. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt.
3. Combine flour and yeast mixture: Add 3 cups of flour to the water mixture and mix until well combined. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add the remaining flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Let the dough rest uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Shape the dough: Sprinkle a large surface with flour. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 9×12 rectangle.
6. Form the loaves: Starting at the wider edge of each rectangle, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll to form a log. Pinch the edges and tuck in the sides to shape the dough into a French bread loaf.
7. Prepare for baking: Place the loaves seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make 4 diagonal slashes, about ¼ inch deep, across each loaf. Brush the loaves with a beaten egg.
8. Let the dough rise: Allow the loaves to rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
9. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375ºF and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top.
10. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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Tips

• Room temperature water for yeast: Ensure the warm water you use to activate the yeast is between 100ºF and 110ºF. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
• Use a rolling pin: If you find it difficult to roll the dough by hand, you can use a rolling pin to help shape the dough into a 9×12 rectangle.
• Make sure to let the dough rise properly: Allowing the dough to rest and rise is essential for a light and airy bread texture. Be patient and let it rise until it has doubled in size.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add herbs or garlic: For a flavorful twist, try adding minced garlic, rosemary, or thyme to the dough before rolling it out.
• Whole wheat option: For a healthier variation, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.
• Butter wash instead of egg: For a softer, richer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter instead of egg before baking.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast. If you use active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water first and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate before adding it to the dough.

How do I store the bread? Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it for up to a month.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Shape and bake the bread the next day.

Serving Suggestions

• With soup or salad: This French bread is the perfect side for hearty soups or fresh salads.
• Make sandwiches: Use this homemade bread to make delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings, from classic turkey to fresh vegetables.
• With dipping oils: Serve the bread alongside olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or butter for an easy appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Bakery French Bread is the perfect combination of soft, chewy interior and a crispy, golden crust. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and requires no special equipment. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought French bread! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy bakery-style French bread at home anytime.