The aroma of Homemade Bakery French Bread wafting through your kitchen is a warm invitation for both family and friends. After multiple rounds of testing, I’m thrilled to share this simple yet satisfying recipe that delivers a crusty exterior and soft, airy inside. Join me on this culinary journey, and check out my Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a delightful breakfast twist!
About Homemade Bakery French Bread
This recipe is a favorite in my house, not just because it tastes great, but because it’s so straightforward. With just over an hour from start to finish, it’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or cozy weekend brunches. Throughout testing, I found the texture enhances when you give it time to rise properly. And oh, the sight of that golden crust is simply irresistible!
- This bread is quick to prep, making it ideal for those busy weeknights.
- It’s budget-friendly, requiring common pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for family gatherings, this bread pairs well with various dishes.
- Interestingly, homemade bread can have less preservatives than store-bought options.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Yeast: Essential for leavening—don’t skip proofing!
- Flour: Offers structure; all-purpose works, but bread flour adds chew.
- Warm Water: Activates yeast—temperature is crucial; aim for about 110°F.
- Salt: Enhances flavor; use kosher or sea salt for the best results.
How to Make Homemade Bakery French Bread
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup warm water with 2 tablespoons of yeast and let it proof for about 10 minutes. You should see bubbles forming, indicating that your yeast is alive.
- In another bowl, mix 2 cups of hot water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ⅓ cup of oil. Once combined, stir in the yeast mixture.
- Add 3 ½ cups of flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until it starts pulling away from the bowl, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for another 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into three pieces and roll each into a 9×12 rectangle. Roll them up tightly, smoothen the edges, and place them seam-side down on a greased baking pan.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- I’ve found letting the dough rise in a warm kitchen helps it double in size much faster.
- A common pitfall is not rolling tightly enough; this can cause bread to deflate in the oven.
- If you want more flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a tasty twist.
- You can easily double this recipe for larger gatherings—just be sure to adjust your baking time slightly!
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
This Homemade Bakery French Bread is best stored at room temperature in a bread box for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. I discovered that thawing it at room temperature and reheating in the oven for 10 minutes brings back its wonderful crust!
What to Serve With Homemade Bakery French Bread
This bread pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh garden salad. For a cozy breakfast, serve with homemade jams or butters. Don’t forget to check out my Avocado Toast with Egg for a satisfying topping option!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my dough has risen enough? It should double in size and feel puffy to the touch.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? Yes, but mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best texture.
- How can I make my bread crustier? Try placing a pan of water in the oven, which creates steam.
- What if my dough is too sticky? Add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
- Can I add toppings to the bread? Yes, seeds or herbs can be sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
I’ve enjoyed every facet of creating this Homemade Bakery French Bread, from the first knead to that crunchy crust. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it too! Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures with me!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast – a delightful breakfast perfect with fresh bread.
- Blueberry Bread Pudding – an excellent way to use up leftover bread.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast – combines the flavors of cinnamon and bread for a sweet treat.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls – a fantastic side to any meal featuring fresh bread.
Homemade Bakery French Bread
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons yeast active dry or instant
- 1/2 cup warm water around 110°F
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 tablespoons sugar helps activate yeast
- 2.5 teaspoons salt for flavor
- 1/3 cup oil vegetable or olive
- 6.5 cups flour all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 egg for brushing adds shine
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in ½ cup warm water. Let it proof for 10 minutes until bubbly.2 tablespoons yeast
- In a mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Add the yeast mixture.1/2 cup warm water
- Add the remaining 3.5 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl.2 cups hot water
Shaping the Loaves
- Divide the dough into 3 pieces and shape them into loaves on a greased baking pan.3 tablespoons sugar
- Make 3-4 diagonal cuts on top and brush with beaten egg.2.5 teaspoons salt
- Let the dough rise uncovered in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.1/3 cup oil
- Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.6.5 cups flour
Notes
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads.