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Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Aimee
I used to make this Homemade French Bread Recipe using a bread machine. In fact, I have been making it that way for years. When my bread machine broke, I was determined not to buy another and learn to love making bread by hand. This is the same recipe and it came out great! I hope you give homemade bread a try. I only wish I’d done this sooner.
Ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe
There are just a few ingredients required to make this recipe.
- Lukewarm Water (somewhere between 98 and 105 degrees)
- Bread Flour (do not use all purpose flour in this recipe)
- Sugar
- Salt
- and Active Dry Yeast (this Platinum is my favorite. It performs well without fail!)
How to make Homemade French Bread
Add the warm water to the bowl of an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment. Then add the bread flour, sugar, salt and finally the yeast. Mix for a few minutes until a rough ball forms.
You’ll want to finish kneading the ball by hand on a lightly floured surface, then place in an oiled bowl covered with a lint free towel. Allow to rise for at least 30 minutes.
Form into a loaf and allow to rise another 30-45 minutes. Finally, brush with an egg wash mixture (just egg thinned with water). Brush all exposed areas.
Bake in a preheated oven set at 375 degrees until golden. When you tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow. Allow to cool.
Store lightly wrapped in a bread bag or parchment.
Slice with serrated bread knife and slather with your favorite salted butter. I love these warm, but they also toast up really well and make an awesome brushetta!
Did you make my Homemade French Bread Recipe? Leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought. You can also tag me with your photos on Instagram @aimee_stock I love seeing what you come up with! 🙂
Homemade French Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook (for mixing & kneading)
- Greased Bowl with a Towel (for rising)
- Lined Sheet Pan (for baking)
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 c Water lukewarm (between 95 to 105 degrees)
- 2 3/4 c Bread Flour
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
FOR BAKING:
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 tbsp Water
FOR SERVING:
- Salted Butter
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a stand mixer taking care that your water is warm but not hot or it will kill the yeast.
- Allow the mixer to knead until it becomes a rough ball, then remove to a lightly floured surface to continue kneading by hand until smooth.
- Oil a bowl lightly and add your dough ball, rolling it around to coat all sides. Cover with a lint free towel and place in a warm spot to rise for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, shape into two loaves, cover and allow to rise another 30 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, you can preheat the oven to 375 degrees and also combine one egg yolk with a tablespoon of water.
- Place the loaves on a lined baking sheet and brush all exposed areas with the egg wash.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden. The bottom, when tapped, should produce a hollow sound. It may take a few more minutes depending on your oven.
- Allow to cool completely, then store in bread bags or serve warm with butter.
