French Bread Recipe

French bread recipe is a simple and classic way to bake warm, crusty bread at home using everyday pantry ingredients. This traditional loaf is loved for its golden crispy crust and soft, slightly chewy interior. It works perfectly for sandwiches, garlic bread, or as a side with soups and salads. Many home bakers enjoy making this easy french bread recipe because it delivers bakery style results without complicated steps.

This recipe creates fresh homemade loaves with a crisp outside and a soft, fluffy center. As the dough rises and bakes, it forms two large loaves that can be sliced and served with butter, used to make garlic french bread, or enjoyed with many different meals. If you are looking for a crusty french bread recipe for dinner or a quick french bread recipe to bake at home, this method produces reliable and delicious results every time. 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

Start by lightly greasing a large baking sheet and sprinkling it with cornmeal. This helps keep the dough from sticking and gives the bottom of the bread a lightly crisp texture.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine two cups of flour, the active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and mix using a wooden spoon or dough hook until the ingredients begin to come together.
Slowly add the remaining flour while mixing. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms and all the flour is fully incorporated.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, soft, and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once so the surface is lightly coated.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Place them on a lightly floured surface, cover, and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes.
Roll each piece into a rectangle, then tightly roll it from the long side to form a loaf. Lightly moisten the edge with water to seal the dough and gently taper the ends 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 they nearly double in size. While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using a sharp knife, make three or four shallow diagonal cuts 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 bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown and the bread 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