Description
This homemade bakery-style French bread recipe yields soft, flavorful loaves with a crisp golden crust. Utilizing yeast proofing, careful kneading, and a warm rise, it produces authentic French bread perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or serving alongside your favorite meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 2 Tablespoons Yeast
- 1/2 cup Warm Water
Dough
- 2 cups Hot Water
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/3 cup Oil
- 6 1/2 cups Flour
For Brushing
- 1 Egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of yeast in ½ cup of warm water that is comfortably warm to the touch (not hot or cold). Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating active yeast.
- Mix Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of hot water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/3 cup of oil, and 3 cups of the flour. Stir well to combine. Then add the yeast mixture into this bowl.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, signaling proper consistency. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 9×12 inch rectangle, then roll each rectangle like a jelly roll. Shape each roll into a classic French bread loaf, smoothing out the edges for a neat appearance.
- Prepare for Rising: Place the shaped loaves seam side down on a greased baking pan or a Silpat liner. Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal slashes about 1/4 inch deep on the top of each loaf. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden finish once baked.
- Allow the Dough to Rise: Leave the loaves uncovered in a warm place to rise for 30 to 40 minutes, until they have visibly puffed up.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 18 to 22 minutes or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from oven and let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use bread flour if available for a chewier texture.
- The water temperature for proofing yeast should be about 110°F for best results.
- Be sure not to add too much flour to keep the bread soft inside.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water at the bottom of the oven during baking to create steam.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: homemade French bread, bakery-style French bread, yeast bread, crusty bread recipe, easy French bread
