The Best Homemade French Bread Recipe

There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. This homemade French bread has become one of my favourite recipes because it's incredibly easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and turns out beautifully every single time. It has a perfectly golden, crispy crust with a soft, fluffy centre that's ideal for sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply enjoying warm with a generous spread of butter. If you've always wanted to bake your own French bread but felt intimidated, this foolproof recipe will show you just how easy and rewarding homemade bread can be.

Preaparation Time 20 minutes 

Rise Time 2-3 hours 

Cook Time 25 minutes 

Yields 2 large bread rolls / 4 medium bread rolls 

Ingredients 

2 cups warm water (105f)

1 tablespoon instant yeast 

2 1/2 teaspoons sugar

5 cups/ 650 grams flour 

2 1/2 teaspoons salt 

2-3 teaspoon oil 

Melted butter - optional 

https://youtu.be/U1r8O4NeQFc

Instructions 

1. Place the warm water, sugar and instant yeast in a bowl. Mix well and set it aside to allow the yeast to bloom for 10-15 minutes. 

2. Once the yeast has bloomed, add the flour, salt and 2 teaspoons oil. Mix it in on a low speed until a dough begins to form. Mix on a high speed for 2-3 minutes until a smooth dough forms and the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be smooth and not sticky.

3. Cover the dough in a teaspoon of oil. Clingfilm the bowl and place in it in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. 

4. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a well floured surface. If you are making large loaves, then divide the dough in 2 balls. If making smaller buns then divide the dough into 4 balls. Roll the dough out into a 15 inch rectangle (12 inches if dividing the dough into 4 pieces) starting with the long side roll the dough into a cylinder. Pinch the seams shut and the edges too. 

5. Place the bread rolls seam side down on a baking sheet. Make 3 shallow slits in the top of the rolls. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for 30-60 minutes. 

6. Preheat the oven to 200c. Place a tray of water in the bottom of the oven area. This will help create steam to help make a crusty french bread. 

7. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg white. Bake the French bread at 200c for 17-23 minutes. After the first 10 minutes remove the water bath. Continue to bake the bread until golden, crunchy and the internal temperature of the bread is 99c. 

8. Remove the homemade French bread from the oven and brush the tops with butter. This step is optional, yet delicious!