Nearly effortless and delicious, this homemade French bread recipe is sure to become your family’s favorite! Made with simple ingredients and no kneading involved! Bake up a loaf today!
No meal is complete without a loaf of bread. Especially when you’re serving up a bowl of soup or grilling some chicken for dinner.
I always see meals in four parts. You need a protein. A healthy fat. Some kind of vegetable. And a carb. Carbohydrates are often served in the form of noodles, rice or bread in our home. But the bread must be homemade.
Don’t you dare mention store bought white bread on our homestead. For shame!
Making a loaf of bread in todays society is seen as an old fashioned task. Why bake bread at home when it’s so much more convenient to grab one from the store?
The answer is: better quality. More nutrients. Superior taste.
Making a purposeful choice of baking your own bread at home versus buying a loaf is one that will benefit your family in more ways than just filling their bellies at suppertime. And it doesn’t have to be complicated either. Many are intimidated by the thought of making bread. Some think it’s tricky or feel that you have to have hours and hours of time to make perfect loaves. But that isn’t always the case.
This easy French bread recipe is ideal for beginners or novice bread bakers alike. It’s quick, uncomplicated and uses simple ingredients. Plus there is no kneading involved! Simply mix the dough, let it rise, shape into logs, bake and enjoy.
Once you try this recipe, it’ll be your favorite go-to bread recipe. Serve with butter! Or mix it up and turn it into cheesy bread with some mozzarella, garlic and herbs. Delicious!
Easy Homemade French Bread
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Your search for a quick, easy to make bread is over!
Makes: 2 loaves
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tsp salt
1 Tbs oil
4 cups all purpose flour
How to Make Homemade Bread
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until dissolved and it begins to foam slightly. Add salt and oil and 2 cups of flour. Using a spatula or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat until combined.
Add the reaming flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough has formed. Do not knead. Cover the bowl with a flour towel or dish cloth. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
Divide dough into equal pieces. Place first half on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10 x 8 inch rectangle. Roll up lengthwise and pinch to seal. Fold ends under slightly to form a long, thin loaf. Place seam side down on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 35-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a lame or very sharp knife, make 5 cuts across the top of the loaf. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer loaves from baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow to cool a little before serving. Slice and serve with plenty of butter! Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Pair a slice of warm bread with this delicious vegetable beef soup recipe.
How to Make a Good Loaf of Bread
Do not overheat the water. Hot water kills yeast. 110°-115° is best.
To create a warm place for your dough to rise in, turn on the light in your oven and place a small measuring cup of hot water next to your bowl of dough.
Looking for a whole wheat French bread recipe? Simply swap the all purpose flour for organic whole wheat flour.
Has your leftover bread gone stale? Turn it into homemade breadcrumbs. They are great to use in meatball recipes, to top casseroles or to coat friend chicken.
Simple French Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbs oil
- 4 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until dissolved and it begins to foam slightly. Add salt and oil and 2 cups of flour. Using a spatula or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat until combined.
Add the reaming flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough has formed. Do not knead. Cover the bowl with a flour towel or dish cloth. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
Divide dough into equal pieces. Place first half on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10 x 8 inch rectangle. Roll up lengthwise and pinch to seal. Fold ends under slightly to form a long, thin loaf. Place seam side down on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 35-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a lame or very sharp knife, make 5 cuts across the top of the loaf. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer loaves from baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow to cool a little before serving. Slice and serve with plenty of butter! Store leftovers in an airtight container.
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A delicious and nutritious recipe! It was so easy for a bread novice like me!