french bread recipe

French Bread Recipe

French bread recipe is a classic way to prepare warm, crusty bread at home using simple pantry ingredients. This traditional bread is loved for its golden, crispy crust and slightly chewy interior, making it ideal for sandwiches, garlic bread, or serving alongside soups and salads. Many home bakers enjoy this easy french bread recipe because it produces bakery style loaves with minimal effort while still delivering the authentic texture of traditional French bread.

This recipe makes fresh homemade loaves with a crisp outer crust and a soft center. The dough rises well and bakes into two large loaves that can be sliced and enjoyed with butter, turned into garlic french bread, or served with a variety of meals. Whether preparing a crusty french bread recipe for dinner or a quick french bread recipe at home, this method consistently produces delicious results. Explore more delicious recipes like French Bread Recipe on our website.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 6 cups all purpose flour
• 2½ packages active dry yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  • Begin by greasing a large baking sheet and sprinkling it lightly with cornmeal. This step helps prevent the dough from sticking and adds a slightly crisp texture to the bottom of the bread.
  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine two cups of flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and mix with a dough hook or wooden spoon until the ingredients begin to come together.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing until a soft dough forms and all the flour is incorporated.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once so all sides are coated.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into two equal portions. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, cover it again, and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
  • Roll each portion into a rectangle and tightly roll it from the long side to form a loaf shape. Lightly moisten the edge with water to seal the dough and taper the ends slightly to create the traditional French bread shape.
  • Place the loaves seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the egg white with one tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the tops of the loaves.
  • Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and allow them to rise again for about 35 to 40 minutes until nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, cut three or four diagonal slashes about ¼ inch deep across the top of each loaf.
  • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the loaves briefly and brush them again with the egg white mixture. Return them to the oven and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the bread becomes golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Remove the loaves from the baking sheet and place them on a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 30
Yield: 2 large loaves