Homemade French Bread

Experience the joy of baking with this irresistible Homemade French Bread recipe, crafted for bread lovers seeking the perfect balance of soft, fluffy interiors and golden, crusty exteriors. With just a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of salt, you'll create two beautifully rustic loaves that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. This recipe emphasizes simple techniques, including kneading for a smooth, elastic dough and brushing with an egg white glaze for that signature shine. Whether you're serving it fresh from the oven alongside soups and stews or using it for gourmet sandwiches, this easy French bread recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, this is your go-to guide for bakery-quality bread at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 unit Egg white
• 1 tablespoon Cold water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add 2 cups of flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch the dough down to release air. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into long oval loaves and place them onto a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving space between loaves.

Step 7

Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes or until slightly puffed.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk the egg white with cold water. Brush the mixture over the tops of the loaves for a glossy finish.

Step 10

Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	939.1 grams (939.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2026

Total Fat 31.10g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4787mg	208%
Total Carbohydrate 374.00g	136%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 5.50g
Protein 55.80g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 70mg	5%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 711mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.0%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 74.8%