This homemade French bread recipe is easy to make with only 6 ingredients and is so much better than store-bought. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make French bread!
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine water, sugar and yeast. Let stand until foamy – about 10 minutes. If mixing and kneading by hand, proof the yeast in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, sea salt and 1 cup flour, and stir with the dough hook.
Add more flour, ½ cup at a time until the dough is smooth and forms a ball on the dough hook. If mixing by hand, stir with a spatula or wooden spoon as you add the flour until a ball forms.
Knead for 2-3 minutes, either with the dough hook or by hand, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will be slightly tacky, but it will form a ball easily.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and cover with a damp tea towel.
Let the dough rise for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into a 12”x 9” rectangle and roll it like a jelly roll, tucking in the ends and pinching the seams. Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet.
Take a knife and cut 4-5 shallow diagonal lines down the loaf.
Let the dough rise for about 30-60 minutes, until almost doubled.
If desired, brush egg wash over loaf.
Transfer loaf to the middle rack of the preheated oven and put the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, slice and serve.
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Warm water. Make sure the water does not exceed 105 degrees F, or it will likely kill the yeast.
Granulated sugar. honey can be used in place of granulated sugar, if desired.
Active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, decrease the amount to 1 ½ tsp.
Olive oil. Any neutral oil works well in this french bread recipe, if you don't have olive oil my top two recommendations are canola oil and avocado oil.
All-purpose flour. Use unbleached, all-purpose flour or bread flour for the best results. You can substitute up to 1 cup with whole wheat flour, if desired.
Ice Cubes. The steam from the ice cubes helps crisp up the outside of the french bread! A special trick for perfect homemade french bread.
StoreStore bread in an airtight container (or plastic bag) at room temperature for up to 3 days. FreezeWrap cooled bread in plastic wrap and put in an airtight container or plastic bag in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature or wrap in foil and thaw in the oven set to warm (about 200 degrees F).