Best Homemade French Bread
It may seem crazy, but I got my love of cooking from making bread for 4-H projects. I was never satisfied to just bake cookies. I needed to challenge myself, kneading and baking bread seemed to fit that bill. Some of my favorite fair bread projects included Oatmeal Dinner Rolls, Honey Whole Wheat Bread, and one of my all time bests, Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns! While this recipe wasn’t a fair project, it is easily the Best Homemade French Bread you will ever make.
Now I’m no Paul Hollywood (of The Great British Bake-Off fame). But, I am known by family and friends to bake up some delicious bread.
This recipe is no different.
It is super soft and delicious.
Simple and easy.
Maybe the best perk about this recipe is that it makes three loaves.
You heard me right.
Three big loaves!
That may seem like a lot, but trust me it isn’t.
This bread is perfect for toast with butter and jam.
Or as the ‘bookends’ of a delicious sandwich.
If you still can’t seem to find ways to enjoy this bread yourself, it is the perfect gift for family, friends, or your kid’s teacher.
Anyway you slice it, this bread is sure to be a winner.
Best Homemade French Bread
The Best Homemade French Bread Recipe you will ever make. It is simple and easy. Soft and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Yeast
- 1/2 cup Warm Water
- 2 cups Hot Water
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup Oil
- 6 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 Egg, for brushing
Instructions
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Let proof 10 minutes.
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In separate mixing bowl, combine hot water (almost boiling), sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of the flour and mix together.
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Add the yeast mixture to the bowl. Then add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mixing after each addition.
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Once flour is added, let dough sit for 10 minutes.
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Divide dough into 3 equal pieces.
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On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 9×12 inch rectangle. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, shape into a loaf and place onto a greased baking sheet, seem side down.
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Once all 3 loaves are formed; use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cutting about 1/4 inch deep into the dough.
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Brush with a beaten egg.
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Let dough rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.
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Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes
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Do you use bread flour? Also does active dry yeast work? New bread maker here 🙂
I use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but bread flour would work if that is all you have. And yes- active dry yeast works for this recipe. And for being a new break maker- you can’t ask for a better recipe to start with as this dough is super easy to work with (even my best friend- who is not a bread maker- can do it!)