Making French bread at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy the fresh, crusty, and delicious bread that’s perfect for almost any meal. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and salt—you can create a crusty golden loaf with a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure perfect results every time.
In this article, we’ll cover the history of French bread, key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and expert tips to help you bake the best loaf. By the end, you’ll be able to make French bread that tastes just like it came from a Parisian bakery.
If you’re new to baking and need extra guidance, this beginner’s guide to baking bread from The Kitchn provides an excellent resource for tips and tricks.
What Makes French Bread Unique?
French bread is special because of its simple ingredient list and the techniques used in its preparation. The most iconic form of French bread recipe is the baguette, a long, narrow loaf with a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. Other types of French bread include pain de campagne (country bread) and boules (round loaves).
The secret to French bread lies in its texture. The combination of four basic ingredients and the use of steam in the oven during baking creates a perfect golden crust while maintaining a light and airy crumb. The dough is usually lean, meaning it contains no fat (like butter or oil), which helps create that signature crisp crust.
If you want to dive deeper into the baguette specifically, check out this guide on how to make baguettes from Serious Eats. It provides more insight into shaping and perfecting the traditional French loaf.
For those interested in understanding more about baking terminology, you might want to explore this comprehensive guide on whether discard is the same as starter for sourdough baking, which can help clarify the process for new bakers.
The History of French Bread
The history of French bread dates back centuries. In medieval France, bread was a staple food, often made in communal ovens where bakers would produce large, hearty loaves. Over time, bread evolved, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, the iconic baguette emerged. The French began to prefer this style of bread because it was faster to bake and easier to transport.
In 1920, a French law dictated that bakers could not begin work before 4 a.m., which limited the amount of time they had to prepare dough for traditional loaves. This led to the rise of the baguette, which could be baked quickly due to its slim shape.
Interestingly, French law still protects the integrity of the baguette. By law, a traditional French baguette must contain only four ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. No preservatives or additives are allowed, which is why French bread is best consumed on the day it’s baked.
If you’re interested in starting your sourdough journey, check out this guide on using sourdough discard to make another starter for step-by-step instructions.
Key Ingredients in French Bread Recipe
Although French bread requires only four simple ingredients, the quality of these ingredients and the technique used can make all the difference. Let’s look at each of these essential components:
1. Flour
French bread typically uses T55 flour in France, a type of flour with a lower protein content compared to bread flour found in the U.S. For most home bakers, all-purpose flour works well and produces great results. If you want a chewier texture, you can substitute with bread flour, which has a higher gluten content and creates a more elastic dough.
2. Water
Water is a key ingredient that brings the dough together and activates the yeast. Using room temperature water is ideal for instant yeast, while slightly warmer water (about 110°F) is recommended for active dry yeast. Make sure to measure your water carefully, as too much or too little can affect the dough’s consistency.
3. Yeast
Yeast is what makes the bread rise. You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it in warm water first to ensure it’s active. Instant yeast, on the other hand, can be added directly to the flour without proofing.
4. Salt
Salt not only adds flavor to French bread but also plays a role in strengthening the gluten network, giving the dough structure. Without salt, the dough would rise too quickly, and the bread would taste bland.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making French Bread Recipe
With your ingredients ready, it’s time to make your own French bread recipe. Follow these steps for the perfect loaf every time.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 ⅓ cups water (room temperature or slightly warm)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (or 1 packet active dry yeast)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough
If you’re using active dry yeast, proof it by dissolving the yeast in warm water (around 110°F) with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the flour.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually pour in the water while stirring with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a rough ball.
2. Kneading the Dough
You can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook attachment. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough until it’s soft but not sticky.
3. First Proofing
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area. The dough should double in size.
4. Shaping the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, thin loaf for baguettes or shape it into a round or oval loaf if you prefer a more rustic look.
5. Second Proofing
Place the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them proof again for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 450°F.
6. Scoring and Baking
Before placing the loaves in the oven, score the tops with a sharp knife or a bread lame to create steam vents. This helps the bread expand and rise evenly during baking. If you want to add some extra flavor and texture, sprinkle the loaves with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam, which will help create a crispy crust. Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cooling and Serving
Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve your freshly baked French bread with butter, olive oil, or as a side to soups, stews, or a charcuterie board.
French Bread Variations
French bread can be adapted in many ways to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Baguettes: The classic long and slender French bread loaf. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served with cheese and meats.
- Pain de Campagne: A rustic country loaf made with a mixture of white and whole wheat flours, giving it a hearty, nutty flavor.
- French Sandwich Loaf: Bake the dough in a loaf pan for a more traditional sandwich bread shape. This version is great for making French toast or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Herb and Seed Bread: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, or sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect French Bread
- Get a Crispy Crust: To achieve a crispy crust, use steam during the baking process by placing a pan of water in the oven. This helps the bread develop that signature crunch on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
- Don’t Over-Proof: Be careful not to let the dough over-proof, as this can cause the bread to collapse during baking. Use the “poke test” to check if the dough is ready. If the dough springs back slowly after being poked, it’s good to bake.
- Use Proper Scoring: Scoring the dough before baking allows it to expand without bursting, helping you achieve a professional-looking loaf.
Serving and Storing French Bread Recipe
French bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for serving:
- With Soups and Stews: French bread is perfect for soaking up the broth from hearty soups like French onion soup or beef stew.
- Charcuterie Boards: Serve thin slices of French bread with cheeses, meats, and pickles on a charcuterie board.
- Bruschetta: Top toasted slices of French bread with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for a simple and delicious appetizer.
For dessert, why not try a sweet treat like the delicious Brookie, a fusion of brownies and cookies that pairs wonderfully with coffee.
How to Store French Bread:
- To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. Avoid plastic bags, as they can cause the bread to become soggy.
- If you have leftover bread, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Frozen bread can be stored for up to a month. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes.
FAQs About French Bread Recipe
How Long Does French Bread recipe Stay Fresh?
French bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay good for up to 2 days if stored properly. After that, it may start to go stale, but you can still use it for French toast or croutons.
Can I Make French Bread Without a Stand Mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand! It just takes a bit more time and effort. Expect to knead for 8-10 minutes to develop enough gluten for a soft, chewy texture.
What Makes French Bread Different from Other Breads?
French bread is known for its simplicity, using just flour, water, yeast, and salt. This sets it apart from richer breads that use eggs, butter, or sugar. The use of steam during baking also creates the signature crust that distinguishes French bread from other loaves.
If you’re also a fan of savory dishes, learn more about what chicken Alfredo is made of, or whip up a sweet classic like this Toll House cookie recipe for dessert.