The BEST homemade french bread recipe made in just 90 minutes! So easy to make and comes out golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. 

sliced french bread

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Homemade bread is one of my favorite things to make. It can seem a bit intimidating at first, but this easy French bread recipe is a great place to start. Like my Italian bread recipe, it has a quick rising time and takes about 90 minutes from start to finish.

If you’re a beginner to bread baking, make sure to check out my artisan bread and my easy homemade breadsticks. Both are so simple along with my favorite dinner rolls and French bread rolls!

Easiest French Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy french bread recipe, this is it! You’ll have 2 beautiful loaves in 90 minutes. The actual time you’ll be working will only be about 15 minutes, the rest of the time will be patiently waiting for the dough to rest/rise. This homemade french bread is golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and slightly chewy on the inside. We love to serve it with a bowl of warm soup and the first time I made it, my husband said “this bread is SO good, where did you get it?” He thought I picked it up from our local bakery. It is just that good and really so easy to make. You’ll never want to buy store bought french bread again.

I absolutely love making bread and rolls of all kinds. There’s something so satisfying about making them in your own kitchen. The smell is unbelievable. We love to serve this homemade french bread with softened butter, honey and/or strawberry jam. So so good. Trust me when I say, this is the best french bread recipe! And if you love a little tang, try my sourdough French bread recipe!

dough rising in a bowl with a dish towel on top

How To Make Homemade French Bread

  1. Proof the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until it has begin to foam.
  2. Mix and let rest. Place 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl with the salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and begin to knead by hand or using a dough hook and stand mixer. Add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour at a time until the dough is smooth but not sticky. Rub the olive oil around the dough ball and let rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Shape and let rise again. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it in half. Roll one half into a rectangle. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder. Turn both ends in and pinch the seams closed. Round the edges and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough ball. Let rise for 30-45 minutes. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf.
  4. Bake in oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Brush the top of the homemade french bread with melted butter if desired. Slice and enjoy! :)

rolling and shaping the dough into loaves

Baking Tips

  • The key to the perfect consistency is to knead in flour a little at a time, until the dough becomes soft and not sticky.
  • If using a bread dough hook to knead the dough, knead the last couple of minutes by hand.
  • Let the dough rest a minute during the mixing process (this allows the gluten to relax).
  • Let the dough rise in a warm spot by the window or on top of the stove.
  • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and then press down with your finger tips to remove any air pockets.
  • Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough and any extra bubbles.
  • Roll the dough into a loaf and then make sure to tuck the ends under and pinch all the seams together tightly to create a nice seal.
  • For a crispier/shinier crust, brush on egg wash (1 egg white (whisked) with a teaspoon of water) before baking.
  • For a softer and more flavorful crust, brush with melted butter right when it comes out of the oven.

two homemade french bread loaves on a baking sheet

Favorite Ways To Enjoy

Freezer Instructions

Since this recipe makes two loaves, sometimes we freeze one of them for later. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in foil or saran wrap (make sure it has cooled completely). Then place in a zip top bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

slice of french bread with butter spread on top

More Homemade Bread Recipes To Try:

french bread recipe

Homemade French Bread Recipe

4.98 from 1202 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 32 (2 loaves)
The BEST homemade french bread recipe made in just 90 minutes! So easy to make and comes out golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. 
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups warm water , about 105°F
  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 5 cups (650 g) all-purpose flour , or bread flour (add more as needed)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Melted salted butter , optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes, or until it begins to foam.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture on medium-low speed or by hand. Knead in 1/2 cup of the remaining flour in increments until the dough is smooth but not sticky (depending on climate you could use more or less than 5 cups). Add more flour as needed.
  • Rub the olive oil around the dough ball, cover the bowl with a towel and let rest 15 to 30 minutes. If you have more time, let rise up to 1 hour.
  • Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it in half. Set one half aside. Roll the other half into a rectangle (about 15 inches). Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder.
  • Turn both ends in and pinch the seams closed. Round the edges and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough ball. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cover loaves lightly with a towel. Let rise 30 to 60 minutes (the longer the better, if you have the time).
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Bake 17 to 23 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. When you knock on it, it should sound hollow. If it's browning too fast, lightly cover with foil and lower the temperature to 375°F.
  • Brush the top with melted butter, if desired. Slice and serve while warm.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Crispy crust: I prefer a soft crust, but for a crispier/shinier crust, brush 1 egg white (whisked) with a teaspoon of water before baking french bread loaf. You can also add a few ice cubes into the oven to help trap the steam and add a few minutes onto the cooking time.
Storing: This bread stores best in a brown paper bag on the counter. 
Freezer instructions: Allow to cool and then place in a large zip top bag to freeze (preferably before slicing). Remove all the air from the bag and then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 73kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 2g, Sodium: 146mg, Potassium: 22mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

loaf of homemade french bread